Kampong Cham provincial court has charged four men who posed as policemen with the robbery and murder of a gold vendor, as rights groups expressed concern that the skyrocketing price of gold has left vendors more susceptible to robberies.

Chhorn Cheang, 50, was shot four times, once in the heart, as he was fighting the suspects on Thursday at his home in Tbong Khmom district’s Chiko commune.

Deputy provincial police chief Chem Senghong said the four suspects had been arrested: Heng Vanna, Seng Pisath, Chan Phay and So Oeung.

“An investigating judge has decided to detain the four suspects in prison under robbery and murder charges,” he said.

Tbong Khmom district police chief Heang Hot said the victim’s wife was home alone when the suspects posed as policemen and stormed the house, tying up the woman.

“When the victim arrived home, he fought with the robbers and was shot four times by Heng Vanna.”

The robbery comes as the price of gold soared to record highs of US$1,414.85 in London on Tuesday and is headed towards a 10th annual gain.