PHNOM PENH: Authorities have sealed all border crossings as they search for a woman identified as the daughter of a prominent Oknha who allegedly caused a fatal traffic accident in Phnom Penh before fleeing the scene.
Lieutenant General Choun Narin, deputy commissioner-general of the National Police and Phnom Penh Municipal Police Commissioner, said authorities have blocked all possible escape routes in an effort to apprehend the suspect, identified as Sam Meiju, who is reportedly attempting to evade arrest.
In a social media post published shortly after midnight on Thursday (July 30) morning, Choun Narin urged the 27-year-old to surrender.
“Stop trying to run away. Surrender yourself at any police unit. Show some courage,” he wrote.
He added that officers are actively searching not only for the suspect but also for anyone suspected of helping to conceal her or assist her escape.
On July 29, Choun Narin ordered investigators to locate and arrest the woman after she allegedly struck and killed an official from the Ministry of Public Works and Transport.
Later that evening, he confirmed that the suspect’s father, Oknha Tong Hok Seng, had met with police to discuss the case, while officers continued their efforts to locate his daughter.
The case has generated widespread public attention on social media, with many users calling on authorities to ensure the suspect is arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Minister of Justice Koeut Rith has previously stressed that drivers who flee after causing a fatal crash commit two separate offences.
“If you hit someone and flee the scene, that is not just one offence, but two,” he said.
“Whether the driver was at fault is one matter, but fleeing the scene is a separate criminal offence. We must take firm action. Cases involving serious traffic accidents remain a priority,” he added.
According to police, the crash occurred at approximately 11.30pm on July 28 along Street 1003 in Khmuonh commune, Sen Sok district.
Investigators said an Avatr 11 bearing Cambodian licence plate V.C.8989 crossed into the opposite lane while attempting to overtake another vehicle before colliding head-on with a Honda Scoopy motorcycle travelling in the opposite direction.
The motorcyclist, Kuoch Limhan, 35, died at the scene.
An identity card recovered at the crash site identified the victim as a native of Kang Meas district in Kampong Cham province and an official with the Construction and Public Works Laboratory.
Police identified the registered owner of the vehicle as Sam Meiju, 27, who is listed as residing in Tuol Kork village, Tuol Sangkae commune, Russey Keo district, Phnom Penh.
Following the collision, officers from the Phnom Penh Municipal Police impounded both the car and the motorcycle as part of their ongoing investigation.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, with many Cambodians urging authorities to locate the suspect and ensure she is held accountable under the law. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
