THE ATTACK
AROUND 20:30 hrs on August 10, 2015, as Chinese businessman Hua Kang Huang Hua, 30, was closing the gate to the Wisdom Supermarket which he operates at Vryheid’s Lust Railway Embankment, East Coast Demerara, a white Toyota 212 vehicle pulled up and two unmasked robbers exited.

One held Hua at gunpoint, while his accomplice went into the supermarket. When employees saw the gunman approaching, they fled to the back of the supermarket, leaving Mrs Hua alone to face the gunman, who demanded money.

THE HUMILIATION
During this ordeal, the Huas had managed to maintain their composure and had allowed the bandits to do whatever they wanted, even after they had both been physically assaulted. After the robbers had threatened to assault Hua with a bottle, the Huas collectively handed over proceeds from the day’s sales, which amounted to approximately $100,000, and the robbers also helped themselves to two bottles of Skyy vodka that were displayed for sale in the supermarket.

Before they made good their escape, the bandits reportedly shot Hua in his leg, and discharged another round into the ceiling of the supermarket.

THE FOOTAGE
The entire ordeal had lasted for about one minute, but the police response was quick. Hua was hospitalised for his injuries, during all of which time the business had remained closed.
The business was fortunately outfitted with security cameras, and the police were able to view footage of the robbery. However, to date, no arrests have been made.

THE RESOLVE
Now recuperating from his injuries, Hua reopened his business less than a week ago, although he is still tramautised and “a bit edgy”by the incident. He told this newspaper yesterday that he did not want to speak to the media, because of fear of being victimised and because he wanted to prevent further attack on his business.

He now has a security guard posted at the entrance to the business, but he, his wife and two employees remain watchful and ever ready to avoid a replay of that robbery incident.

Wisdom Supermarket had been in business for about three months prior to the armed robbery, and is housed on the bottom flat of a two-storey rented concrete building whose construction has not been completed.

THE SCENARIO
Several Chinese businesses, especially restaurants, have been targeted by bandits for some time now; and Chinese national Zhenjz Su, who had operated the Jade Stone Chinese Restaurant on Mandela Avenue in Georgetown, was brutally killed when gunmen invaded his home.

Su’s wife was battered in that robbery, which lasted for more than half an hour in the early morning period of August 7, 2015.

That business remains closed and although several persons of interest have been questioned, the police are yet to make an arrest in that regard. (Michel Outridge)