A 42-year-old Chinese man was shot to death in broad daylight on Friday in Pursat province’s Krakor district while driving to work, authorities said yesterday.

Deputy district police chief in Krakor Moal Sok said witnesses saw Chang Fi Yiek, the supervisor of a cassava plantation owned by Pheapimix Company, riding his motorcycle to the site that he oversaw in Kbal Trach commune’s Kralanh village. He was later found dead in the forest. Forensics placed his time of death at about 10am that morning.

“The victim was fired at four times using an AK rifle. The victim died instantly at the scene,” said Moal Sok, adding that the motorcycle was left lying near the body while the man’s wallet and money had been taken.

The motive for the killing had not been determined, said Moal Sok. Authorities are investigating the possibility that it was motivated by revenge, as 25 families were involved in a land dispute with Pheapimix Company last month. The company also caught villagers’ cattle which had strayed into the plantation, and asked for five million riel in exchange for the release of each cow.