A couple was arrested yesterday in Pursat province for allegedly inciting their three children to kill a neighbour over a property dispute.

Kbal Trach commune police chief Khiev Sokha said that Kem Ren, 52, and his wife, Proem Khom, 50, were arrested by Krakor district police yesterday morning after witnesses claimed that the couple had asked their children to attack their neighbour on Tuesday.

According to the witnesses, Sokha said, the couple had “insulted and cursed” at the victim on multiple occasions since November last year, after the victim’s family refused to let them erect a fence. The victim reacted to their insults on Tuesday, cursing them back.

“After hearing the victim’s response, the couple got furious and called their three sons to attack the victim . . . Armed with an axe, hammer, and machete, [they] started chasing and attacking the victim until he died,” Sokha said.

The three suspects are still on the run. Chief of the district crime office Doem Mao said yesterday that the couple will be sent to the provincial police for further action.