Beggar lied about plight for fear of losing wife
A Hong Kong resident who claimed to be stranded in Shenzhen with his baby son and forced to beg to survive was yesterday found to have a mainland home and wife.
Widespread coverage of Cheung Kam-ming's apparent plight prompted the government to send an agent to Shenzhen to help him. Mr Cheung, 45, had earlier told the media his mainland wife abandoned him and their newborn baby in January and that his identification documents and possessions had been stolen.
He said he had to live under a footbridge and resort to begging to feed his eight-month-old son. But yesterday, Mr Cheung was found to be living in a village flat with his mainland wife, Wang Danli. She believed her husband had a job and was upset to learn he begged.
Mr Cheung apologised to his tearful wife and the public for not telling the truth.
'I knew my wife would leave me if she found out where the money came from. I tried to find a job, but failed. I have a family to support, so I went begging without telling her.'
The family lives in a ramshackle 54sqft flat with no toilet or kitchen. Their only belongings are an old television, a table and bed. Ms Wang is bedridden by illness.
Mr Cheung said at first he told people the truth about his situation but nobody gave him money.
A mainland beggar then advised him to change his story. 'I did what he said and I got 50 yuan the first day.'
The Immigration Department said Mr Cheung was free to return to Hong Kong, but he said he would not leave his wife and son, who was born on the mainland and does not automatically enjoy right of abode. 'My wife is sick so she cannot take care of the baby. If I go to Hong Kong, I'd have to leave the baby behind. I won't leave them.'
Mr Cheung lost his job as a delivery man in Hong Kong three years ago and his long absence from the city disqualifies him from welfare.
He admitted owing money to Hong Kong loansharks but said he could not remember the amount.
The Social Welfare Department sent social worker Chan Ngai-fai to Shenzhen to help. Mr Chan said the family would be moved to a better apartment in Shenzhen and Ms Wang would be taken to hospital today for a check-up.
He said the Immigration Department would also help the family apply to live in Hong Kong.
