'FAKE MONK' LOSES ILLEGITIMATE ROBES

Authorities in Poipet have arrested and defrocked a man alleged to be a “fake monk” after a woman complained the monk constantly cheated local citizens. Provincial monk officials say the 30-year-old man persuaded other monks at a local pagoda to trust him – a trust that would end in deceit. The suspect told police that he cheated monks and citizens alike because he said he hoped to build a Buddhist temple in his native Prey Veng province.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS CORPSE

Mystery and intrigue surrounded the recent appearance of a corpse in front of a pagoda in Poipet. After a motorbike taxi driver told authorities he saw someone dumping the body in front of the pagoda, an investigation revealed a local karaoke bar owner who confirmed the corpse was that of his security guard, who had visited a local clinic hoping to have his chronic diseases treated. The clinic owner’s brother confessed the man died in the clinic, and that they moved the corpse under the cover of night in the hope of avoiding any scandalous accusations aimed at the clinic.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA

ANGRY VILLAGERS ARREST OFFICER

Villagers in Phnom Penh’s Meanchey district risked life and limb trying to arrest a high-ranking police officer and his bodyguard after the officer allegedly fired his gun wildly into the air Monday night – then threatened villagers when they complained. The villagers surrounded the pair, managing to arrest them and turn them over to police before the tension escalated. However, the villagers were soon disheartened to learn that the officer and his bodyguard were released instantly by Phnom Penh military police.

KAMPUCHEA THMEY

TEEN ACCUSED OF BID TO RAPE RELATIVE

An 18-year-old farmer in Kandal province stands accused of attempting to rape an older female relative. Police said the suspect dropped by the 30-year-old woman’s house as per usual Monday. However, police said the man “burst into lustfulness” after eyeing the woman taking a bath alone while her husband was away. The man fled after the woman shouted for help. Police said he later confessed to an “unsuccessful rape”.

DEUM AMPIL

VIOLENT ROBBERY LEADS TO ARREST

A 45-year-old motorbike taxi driver was severely wounded as he was stabbed repeatedly during a violent robbery in Kampong Speu on Tuesday. District police said an 18-year-old suspect stabbed the victim 12 times and slit his throat before stealing his motorbike. The accused made a getaway on the victim’s bike, but he was arrested on his way to Phnom Penh a few hours later.

RASMEY KAMPUCHEA