PIMPING ISN'T EASY, HOMEOWNER FINDS

Police are blaming a lit candle for causing a fire that destroyed a home and some property in Sihanoukville Saturday. Police said the daughter of the house’s owner lit a candle, the flame from which somehow spread and engulfed the structure. Police appealed to residents to be vigilant, telling them, “Only you can prevent forest fires”, and that most fires are caused by careless behaviour. Police also reported that the owner of the house was a well-known pimp in Sihanoukville. The owner was not present during the blaze because she was in Phnom Penh, presumably engaging in pimping-related activities, authorities said.

DEUM AMPIL

BOMB EXPLOSION LEAVES BOY DEAD

One boy is dead and another seriously injured after they played with an old bomb that they found on the ground in Kampot province, authorities said. Police said the two boys, 15 and 13, had gone for a stroll far from their village when they found an old bomb. They beat it until the bomb exploded. The 15-year-old boy died immediately, and the 13-year-old was sent to hospital. Officials with the Cambodian Mine Action Centre are checking for other unexploded ordnance in the area.

DEUM AMPIL

TAXI MAN THREATENS TO KILL 20 ON BOARD

A taxi driver has been arrested after he allegedly tried to fleece his passengers by doubling his fare halfway to their destination, then threatening to drive his car into a lake if his passengers refused. Police said the incident happened Saturday. The driver had ingeniously packed 20 people into his car and agreed to drive them to Prey Veng for US$2. On the way, however, the driver switched his price suddenly to $5. All the passengers refused and started bickering. The driver then threatened to plunge the car into a lake and kill everyone on board. A passenger, however, called police for help. An officer stopped the car and arrested the taxi driver.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

ROBBER EXCHANGES THREATS FOR CASH

A couple in Phnom Penh’s Sen Sok district was robbed of US$500 on their way to the market Friday, police said. The victims, who operate a money-exchange booth for a living, said they were driving to the market as usual when another motorist pulled up to them, pulled out a gun and demanded that they hand over their money. Police said the victims could not identify the thief because he was wearing a helmet. Police are investigating.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA