HK pair's killers executed

THREE killers who kidnapped a Hong Kong businessman and his secretary were executed in Dongguan yesterday after losing their appeal.

More than 10,000 people watched as the court announced the result of the appeal by martial arts master Qiao Lifu, 30, and female hotel workers Shao Miaomiao, 20, and 26-year-old Rong Fengbo.

The killers remained impassive during the 9.30 am hearing at a secondary school. They were executed immediately after the open session which the Dongguan People's Intermediate Court said aimed to 'educate the public'.

The three were found guilty last month of kidnapping and murdering businessman Sham Ka-yan, 41, who operated Billion Team Industries in Tangxia town, Dongguan, and his secretary Chan Kit-man, 35.

Shao was said to be the mistress of Qiao, known as the Tiger of Shenzhen.

Sham was kidnapped in June, and Chan was told by his company to take $800,000 to Shenzhen.