Kandal Province: One Arrested, One Flees in Machete Attack on Woman Mistakenly Identified

A violent incident involving a mistaken identity has led to a serious assault in Kandal Province, Cambodia, with authorities actively pursuing the case. On the night of July 18th, a young couple riding a motorcycle was attacked on a dirt road in Vearl Treng village, Talorn commune, S'ang district. The perpetrators, mistaking the victims for a group of delinquents who had previously insulted them, hurled a sharp object, believed to be a sickle or machete, at the couple. The projectile struck the 21-year-old female passenger in the back, causing severe injuries and embedding itself in her spine. The victims were returning from a dessert shop when the incident occurred. The attackers, two men on a motorcycle, reportedly believed the couple was part of the group that had verbally abused them earlier. Following the assault, the suspects fled the scene. The injured woman was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment. Under the strict orders of Kandal Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Chhoeun Socheth, specialized forces from the provincial police and S'ang district police launched an investigation. On July 20th, authorities successfully apprehended one suspect, identified as Thom Kon, a 29-year-old male residing in Tuol Kdey village, Traeuy Sla commune, S'ang district. He is believed to be the one who threw the weapon and was riding the motorcycle during the attack. A urine test revealed the presence of illicit substances. Thom Kon has confessed to the act, stating that he attacked the victims due to mistaken identity. He is currently detained at the S'ang District Police Inspectorate pending legal proceedings. The second suspect, identified as Vannak Sou, a 26-year-old male, remains at large, and law enforcement is continuing efforts to locate and apprehend him. Information Source: Kampuchea Thmey Security