Convenience store franchise 7-Eleven has said that it will help the family of a store owner that passed away on Monday afternoon, after he was stabbed during a vicious attack at his Yau Ma Tei shop last Tuesday.
The attack happened at a 7-Eleven store on Pitt Street. CCTV records showed the two men arguing before the suspect stabbed 39-year-old Cheng Ka-pui with a 20 centimetre-long knife. Cheng had reportedly discovered the perpetrator shoplifting a packet of crisps and a carton of chocolate milk.
“7-Eleven express profound condolences on the passing away of franchisee Cheng Ka-pui, and offers deepest sympathy to his family,” the chain said on Facebook. It switched its logo to black and grey after the news broke.
The company said it would provide an emergency relief fund to help Cheng’s family deal with pressing needs, and it will help with making after-death arrangements.
“7-Eleven strongly condemns the cruel behaviour of the assailant – we feel extremely angered,” the post read.
It added that the company has set up procedures and training to educate staff in handling emergencies, while putting safety first. It has also provided emotional counselling and assistance to staff in need after the incident.
Cheng was sent to Kwong Wah Hospital in unconscious state after being stabbed, and was then transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to ascertain the cause of Cheng’s death.
The police have now reclassified the case from attempted murder to murder. A 32-year-old Vietnamese man, who holds Canadian citizenship, was arrested a day after the incident, and appeared in court on Saturday in connection with the case.
