When the young man crashed the car he was racing at a terrifying speed on Sisowath Quay last Thursday night, he not only killed Det Veasna, 55, he also made Duong Mom a widow and a single mother with five children.
On Monday, Duong Mom said she was given money in return for thumbprinting an agreement, promising not to bring criminal charges against the driver—allegedly the son of an RCAF general—who smashed into her husband, who used a wheelchair.
Duong Mom said she was called into traffic police headquarters Monday, where she met two male uniformed soldiers and an unidentified woman.
“They asked me to give my thumbprint not to sue. If I did not give it they would not give the money,” said Duong Mom, 45. She said she was given $500.
A well-known personality in Phnom Penh, Det Veasna in his wheelchair was a common sight on the riverfront. Police estimate the car was traveling 100 kph.
With young, disabled children to care for, Duong Mom said the money barely covered her husband’s funeral ceremony that is scheduled for today in Russei Keo district.
The car belonged to RCAF Brigadier General Khuon Sovun, Chev Hak, chief of the municipal traffic police investigation department, said Friday. The driver, who police say was the general’s son, was knocked unconscious but the four passengers were uninjured.
Chev Hak on Tuesday confirmed that compensation was paid, but a figure higher than what Duong Mom said she received.
“The offender’s family paid $1,100 to the victim’s family with a contract not to complain to the court. But, by the law, the victim still can complain to the court for a [criminal] case,” he said.
As for the driver, he said: “The injured left the hospital. He is fine.”
