Kampong Chhnang police say a man has been arrested for allegedly killing another man he believed to be a sorcerer who cursed his family.

Sok Sophat, 44, died after he was reportedly stabbed multiple times by Sou El, 43, according to Teuk Phos district police chief Khem Vibol.

Both the victim and the suspect came from the same village in Teuk Phos.

El fled the scene but was arrested yesterday morning. He reportedly confessed to the crime, saying he had tried to kill Sophat many times before for using black magic to curse his family.

Vibol said that El’s belief that Sophat was a sorcerer was ridiculous.

“I heard from the villagers that Sophat is a former abbot – he is a good guy.”

At least three supposed sorcerers have been killed this year in Cambodia.

In April, angry Takeo villagers stoned a 34-year-old man to death believing his activities had led to the deaths of nine community members.