Prominent businessman survives knife attack
By LESLEY SANGA
POLICE are now hunting down men who attacked prominent Honiara businessman John Lee during an attempted robbery at Point Cruz, 7.30am on Wednesday.
Mr Lee, who owns Lee Kwok Quen Company, was about to enter the gates of his business premises when a man emerged from a car parked nearby and tried to pull off his bag.
“It was during the struggle that the man pulled out a bush knife and cut Mr Lee’s left arm,” an eye-witness, who is also the company’s security guard, told the Solomon Star at the scene.
“I was at the betel nut market stall behind the fuel station when the robber attacked my boss,” he said.
“When I turned to look at the direction that a struggling sound was coming from, I saw my boss lying on the ground still defending his bag from being taken.
“Realising that it was my boss, I shouted at the robber and run straight towards them.
“That was when he left my boss helplessly on the ground, got into the waiting car and fled the scene.”
The security officer said that it was a sliver “Bounty” car.
“I took its number plate and have already passed it on to the police.”
Another security officer, who was on duty that night, had already left the Lee Kwok Quen compound when the incident occurred.
He said last Sunday night, a group of men attempted to gain entry into the compound and he chased them away.
The guard said on Monday night, two men came and one of them attempted to climb over the fence.
“I hit him on the back. He fled but left his bag behind, which contained an iron knife and some sharp instruments.”
The security guard said it’s usual for Mr Lee to come in and open the gate to the premises in the mornings.
When police arrived at the scene yesterday, the robbers have already gone.
Their car was seen heading up the Lengakiki road.
Mr Lee was rushed to hospital and is currently undergoing medial treatment.
Honiara City Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Alfred Uiga said although the man has escaped, his officers who are investigating the incident have some good leads to follow up on.
“I must thank witnesses to the incident for giving police the information,” Mr Uiga said.
“I want to appeal to members of the public who were at the vicinity of the armed robbery to come forward with any other information that will assist the police with its investigation,” he added.
The Honiara Central Police Station can be contacted on phones 22999 or 23304. Members of the public with information can also call Police National Communication Centre on 23666 or toll free 999.
