13 men, aged between 16 and 35, will be charged in court on 9 September 2020 for offences under the Societies Act and the Infectious Diseases (Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020.
Police investigations revealed that the men, who are secret society members, had chanted gang slogans to show off their secret society affiliation during a funeral service held along Circuit Road on 5 April 2020. Further investigations also revealed that four men, aged between 19 and 35, had recruited new gang members.
Any person who acts as a member of an unlawful society and any person who incites another person to become a member of an unlawful society under section 14(3) and section 16(1) of the Societies Act respectively, shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or to both.
The 13 men had also breached safe distancing measures. A 26-year-old man, who had rented the venue for the funeral wake, will also be charged for allowing more than 10 individuals to be present at the venue under regulation 7(3) punishable under regulation 7(4) of the Infectious Disease (Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020. For gathering at the funeral wake during the control period involving more than 10 individuals, the remaining 12 men will be charged under regulation 4(2) punishable under regulation 4(3) of the Infectious Disease (Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020. Anyone found guilty of breaching safe distancing measures under regulation 4(3) and regulation 7(4) of the Infectious Disease (Measures to Prevent Spread of COVID-19) Regulations 2020 respectively shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.
The Police have zero tolerance towards secret society activities and will not hesitate to take action against those who are associated with gangs and blatantly disregard the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
08 September 2020 @ 10:20 PM