Knight stabbed to death by robber in Saigon is about to get married

On the morning of May 14, many relatives, family members and friends of Nguyen Hoang Nam (29 years old, from Dong Nai) and Nguyen Van Thoi (42 years old, from Binh Dinh) gathered in front of the Forensic Center (Tran Phu Street, District 5). Tears streamed down every face, everyone mourned for the two street knights who had an accident last night.

Sitting in the corner of the Forensic Center, Nguyen Ngoc Trang (21 years old), Nam's girlfriend, had red eyes. The young girl cried all night when she heard the news of her boyfriend's accident. Last night, Trang had a date with Nam but he suddenly called to postpone it to join the knights.

Accepting Nam's love, the young girl also fell in love with his dangerous passion for catching robbers. Knowing that Nam was injured, Trang thought he was just scratched while chasing criminals like the previous times. She did not expect that this time the bad news would come so suddenly and painfully.

"He said he would meet his friends for a bit and then come pick me up, but...", Trang choked up and couldn't finish her sentence.

With a dazed look on her face, Mrs. Lam Thi Nhung (50 years old, Nam's mother) stood silently at the center's door. The woman, dressed in shabby clothes and with tears in her eyes, said that Nam was the eldest son; after Nam, she had a younger sister. Mrs. Nhung's husband was in the countryside raising livestock, while she and her two children went to Saigon to rent a room in Go Vap district.

Every day, she sells corn, her daughter works as a factory worker, and Nam drives for a company. Talking about her ill-fated son, Mrs. Nhung said that he has a girlfriend who is planning to get married. After work, Nam often joins a group of friends to participate in knighthood to catch robbers.

She knew her son's job was dangerous, but every time she mentioned it, Nam brushed it off. Her son seemed to love his job of catching robbers and was proud when he talked about it. Last night, when she heard the news of her son's accident, Mrs. Nhung rushed to the hospital and collapsed when she learned that her son had passed away.

"Just last night, after the whole family finished dinner, Nam said he had to go out to do some business, take care of some paperwork, and then something happened," Mrs. Nhung recounted in tears.

Sitting not far from Mrs. Nhung and Trang were mother and daughter Nguyen Thanh Dung (Mr. Thoi's ex-wife). Ms. Dungtook her 10-year-old son to the Forensic Center to see his father for the last time. Mr. Thoi's body will be brought back to his hometown by his family from Binh Dinh for burial. Although they no longer live together, when asked about Mr. Thoi, Ms. Dung still has respectful feelings for her ex-husband. In Ms. Dung's eyes, Mr. Thoigentle; daily driving motorbike taxi to earn money and ishero through the pursuit and suppression of criminals.

Due to many problems, she and her husband have been divorced for several years now. They only see each other when Mr. Thoi comes to visit his son.

"After each robbery, he bragged to me and my son. Although we no longer live together, seeing my son admire his father makes me happy," Dung shared.

Hearing his mother mention his father, little Dat paid close attention and joined in the conversation with memories of his father. Although he only saw his father occasionally, Dat remembered every time his father took him out to play or to eat. Dat knew his father was a knight, the "nemesis" of robbers.

"I love you so much, Dad Thoi," Dat said softly.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders visit knight Tran Van Hoang. Photo:Son Hoa

Two knights died, three others were seriously injured while catching a thief

Seeing a group of young men stealing a SH motorbike, the knights rushed in to arrest them but were stabbed repeatedly, leaving 2 dead and 3 in critical condition.

Last night, the group of knights followed the group of thieves through the streets of Tan Binh District. When they arrived at Cach Mang Thang 8 Street, District 3, the thieves discovered the SH parked in front of house number 348C so they broke the lock. As soon as they turned the car onto the sidewalk, the group was stopped by the knights who rushed straight at them on their motorbikes.

"The two sides then got into a fight, so the group of thieves pulled out knives and stabbed each other, killing two knights and injuring three others. No civilians were injured in the incident," Mr. Ha added.

Also this morning, the City Chairman visited Hospital 115 and Thong Nhat Hospital to visit the injured knights who are being treated. Talking with Mr. Tran Van Hoang, leader of the Tan Binh Knights, Mr. Phong, on behalf of the city's people, thanked the noble gesture of the "street knights" who, regardless of danger, sacrificed themselves to protect the peace of the people.

The head of District 3 police reported the incident to the chairman of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo:Son Hoa

The Chairman of the People's Committee was concerned that the knights had not been equipped with any means to protect themselves, while the robbers had dangerous weapons. Mr. Phong said he would work with the city police to find a solution to protect the knights.

"We will direct the city police to find ways to protect the street knights, the people who have sacrificed themselves for the peace of the people," said Mr. Phong.

Mr. Phong also directed hospitals to find the best treatment for the knights. All treatment costs will be covered by the city.

When meeting voters in District 8,Major General Ngo Minh Chau - Deputy Director of the City Police, informed that the detectives reported that they had found some signs of the suspects.

"Major General Phan Anh Minh (Deputy Director of the City Police - Head of the Investigation Police Agency) is resolutely directing the investigation of the case," said Mr. Chau.

According to Dr. Bui Minh Trang, Deputy Director of Hospital 115, the health condition of knight Tran Van Hoang (50 years old) is out of danger. His family can now contact and talk to him.

At Thong Nhat Hospital, two patients, Nguyen Duc Huy (22 years old, residing in Tan Phu district) and Dinh Phu Quy (22 years old, residing in Cu Chi district) were admitted in serious condition. After emergency treatment, both are now out of danger.