Update: Bojan Cmelik a Serbian national with no fixed address this morning was accused of attempting to kill businessman Hugo Chetcuti.
He pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate Neville Camilleri, heard that relatives, security guards and the police followed the suspect, Bojan Cmelik, on a description given by a witness. He was follows to St Helen Street in Sliema, where he assaulted the police and was arrested.
Cmelik was also accused of threatening and attacking police officers, disobeying their orders and carrying a knife without the necessary licence.
The case happened at around 1045 pm. According to various reports said that Cmelik approached Chetcuti, gave him a hug before stabbing him twice in the stomach and running away.
Chetcuti’s brother, ISAAC, in a facebook post said “We would like to assure everyone that, after a successful operation, Hugo is over the worst and is slowly recovering, He is in excellent hands and is surrounded by his family and friends. We would like to thank all of you for your concern and well wishes. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.”
Earlier:
One News: A 35 year old Serbian is expected to be arraigned this morning in connection with the stabbing of Hugo Chetcuti. The Serbian was arrested close to Tigne. The arraignment is expected to happen at 1100h.
CorporateDispatch: Well informed sources confirmed with Corporate Dispatch that one foreign person has been arrested close to Tigne in connection with the stabbing of Hugo Chetcuti. Sources to Corporate Dispatch told us that the person is Serbian. Media reports claim that the person is Syrian (TVM/Independent). Earlier source
Chetcuti is currently at the intensive care unit at Mater Dei Hospital following an urgent surgery to save the man following a stabbing he suffered on Friday night.
The Police are treating the case as an attempted murder and a Magisterial inquiry is under way.
Earlier:
One News (Malta) / Lovin Malta : Investigations are underway following the stabbing of Hugo Chetcuti. Chetcuti who owns a number of entertainment places in Paceville (Malta) has been stabbed in the stomach.
The news was broke by One News and further developed by both ONE and Lovin’ Malta which confirmed that the victim of this stabbing is Chetcuti.
Chetcuti was taken to hospital where he underwent surgery for the serious injuries he suffered.
Both media outlets confirmed the story with the Police. However no further details were given.
A magisterial inquiry is under way and the case is being considered as an attempted murder.
He started back in the 1980’s when he opened his first music club in Paceville, St Julian’s. Today he owns various pubs, restaurants and entertainment places which give a major contribution towards the Maltese nightlife and entertainment industry.
Recently he went on the stock exchange and through HH Finance Plc has announced the issue of €5,000,000 of 5% Unsecured Bonds redeemable between 2023-2028, with a nominal value of €100 issued at par. The primary activity of the company is to acquire and subsequently generate rent from a new hotel development situated on St. Augustine Street in Paceville to a hotel operator.
The accompanying text on the Bond Issue described Chetcuti as having ‘established himself as a pioneer within the local hospitality industry, with his acute business sense and sheer determination already evident from his initial acquisition of Footloose, almost 30 years ago. Since then, he has founded a succession of lucrative bars, restaurants and nightclubs situated in the thriving hub of the island’s entertainment quarter. The ‘Hugo’s’ brand has developed into a commodity offering value for money, hi-end quality, brilliant customer service, excellent food & drink and a unique style. In recent years Hugo has been developing a hospitality offering with the opening of the Hugo’s boutique-hotel that will be followed this year with the Hugo’s Hotel a 200 room, avant-garde luxury hotel.’
