Hugo Chetcuti ‘never met’ his attacker
Entrepreneur Hugo Chetcuti, who died Thursday evening after being stabbed in front of one of his establishments in Paceville on 6 July, had never met his attacker, sources close to one of his establishments told this newspaper.
Chetcuti, who was 52 years old, was stabbed twice by a Serbian man, Bojan Cmelik, 35, in Santa Rita Street corner with St George’s Road. He was later arrested by the police at Balluta Bay.
Earlier this week, this newsroom reported that Cmelik was a former employee at one of Chetcuti’s outlets. The entrepreneur owned several nightclubs, hotels and catering venues in Paceville.
Chetcuti was visiting one of his establishments when the accused approached him and hugged him. Sources close to the police told this newsroom that Chetcuti did not know the aggressor personally, even though he used to work at one of his establishments before being dismissed some eight months ago.
Lawyer Joe Giglio, who is representing the family, yesterday claimed that Cmelik had been let go after being found drunk on the job.
On Saturday, less than 12 hours after the attack, the Serbian man was charged with attempted murder, threatening and attacking police officers and carrying a knife without the necessary licence. Bail was not requested.
Police sources yesterday told this newsroom that the attempted murder charge would be converted to a murder charge in the next court sitting. The sources also told this paper that an autopsy was scheduled to establish the exact cause of death.
Earlier this week Isaac Chetcuti, Hugo’s brother, said that the surgery had been successful and that Hugo was slowly recovering. However, on Wednesday, Chetcuti’s condition took a turn for the worse and he eventually passed away. Police sources said that at the beginning of the week they had managed to speak to Chetcuti briefly. He told them that he had never seen or spoken to the accused before.
Sources close to Mater Dei Hospital told this newspaper that the entrepreneur died as a result of a serious infection.
A bouquet of flowers was yesterday placed outside one of the establishments owned by Chetcuti.
Family statement: Hugo was ‘larger than life’, ‘aware of humble beginnings’
In a statement posted on Facebook by Hugo’s brother Isaac, the family said: “It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Hugo Chetcuti. He was larger than life, a man who captivated us all with his generosity, compassion, wit, and profound awareness and sympathy for those less fortunate. Besides being one of Malta’s biggest businessmen and leading entrepreneurs, he remained firmly grounded and aware of his humble beginnings.
In later years, his deep belief in human rights and continual philanthropic support of the less fortunate, stimulated his drive for success. The local entertainment and hospitality industry has lost its favourite son, but will continue to reap the benefits of his foresight and determination for decades to come.
This unbearable loss, felt by so many of you, least of all us, his son, parents, brothers & sister, grandchildren, nephews and nieces, is devastating. But his legacy lives on, his dreams will be fulfilled and our love for him will burn indefinitely. May he rest in eternal peace.
We would like to inform everyone that The Hugo’s Group will continue to operate as usual and details of the funeral will be announced shortly.”
Hugo’s son Luke wrote: “Dad I never imagined that I’ll be posting something like this. I wish this was just a dream and I could wake up. This is a photo from Father’s Day 2 years ago and such a happy time with all generations together. I made a promise to you dad that I will continue your legacy and this I will do till my last breath. You have taught me so much and I will put everything into my everyday life. You are physically not here but I know that in spirit you will always be watching over us. You were truly the world to me, my dad and my best friend. I love you now always and forever daddy and I promise that I will continue building the empire you left us. RIP daddy, till we meet again.”