Two people were injured in an acid attack early Monday morning in Phnom Penh’s Boeng Keng Kang III commune when an angry ex-boyfriend took revenge on his former girlfriend, Chamkar Mon district police said.
Ith Muoyneang, 20, was riding home from her job at a karaoke club when she was doused with acid, burning her chest, stomach and thighs, according to Heang Thareth, deputy district police chief.
Her moto-taxi driver, 44-year-old Uon Chamroeun, also sustained severe burns to his back in the assault.
Both the victims are now being treated in a private clinic, according to the police report.
The alleged attacker, 21-year-old Vichet Sothea, fled the scene, and police have been unable to locate him, Heang Thareth said, adding that the suspect had lived with Ith Muoyneang for two years before she left him and began working at the karaoke club.
“This was revenge against her beauty,” Heang Thareth said.
He added that Ith Muoyneang avoided serious burns to her entire face by protecting it with her purse.
Vichet Sothea’s 16-year-old brother was arrested on suspicion of colluding in the attack and will face charges in court, Heang Thar-eth said.
He added that that the young man told police that he had driven his brother to meet his ex-girlfriend but was not aware of the plan to douse her in acid.
Boeng Keng Kang III commune police chief Chea Chanthou said that witnesses near the scene heard Ith Muoyneang cry for help, and fetched water to pour on her burns before sending her to the nearest clinic.
A moto-taxi driver chased the attackers and helped police arrest the 16-year-old, Chea Chanthou added.
Moto-taxi driver Uon Cham-roeun has appealed for charity to help pay for his medical bills, Chea Chanthou added.
