The Police will be charging two men, aged 18 and 21, in court on 17 November 2021 with voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon with common intention under Section 326 read with Section 34 of the Penal Code, in relation to their suspected involvement in the assault of a 37-year-old man.
On 14 November 2021 at about 9.35pm, the Police were informed of a case of assault in a coffeeshop along Depot Road. Witnesses saw two male assailants wielding long knives slashing and stabbing the victim. The victim suffered multiple lacerations and stab wounds on the head, neck, knee and chest, and was bleeding profusely. He was subsequently conveyed to hospital with multiple injuries. The two assailants fled and disposed of their weapons before Police officers arrived at the scene.
Officers from the Clementi Police Division, Criminal Investigation Department and Police Intelligence Department mounted an extensive manhunt for the two alleged assailants. Investigations revealed that both men had been released from the Reformative Training Centre and had allegedly cut their electronic tagging to avoid tracking of their whereabouts. They are also suspected of being members of secret societies. With the assistance of members of the public, and aided by images from Police cameras, officers established the identities of the two alleged assailants and arrested the duo at a hotel in Sentosa on 15 November 2021 at about 4.45pm, within 20 hours from the time when the Police were alerted to the incident. A 30 cm-long knife used in the assault was recovered in the vegetation near the crime scene. They will be charged in Court on 17 November 2021 and the Police will be seeking to remand them for further investigations.
Three other men, aged 19 to 28, were separately arrested for being suspected members of unlawful societies under Section 14(3) of the Societies Act. Two of the men, aged 20 and 28, are believed to have met up with the two assailants after the incident. Police investigations are ongoing to probe their alleged involvement in the incident.
If convicted, the offence of voluntarily causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapon under Section 326 of the Penal Code is punishable with life imprisonment; or with imprisonment for up to 15 years, and a fine, and caning. Anyone found guilty of being a member of an unlawful society under Section 14(3) of the Societies Act shall be liable on conviction to an imprisonment term of up to three years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Members of the public are advised to steer clear of secret society activities and to report those engaging in such unlawful activities to the Police. The Police will not hesitate to take firm action against persons involved in secret society activities. Where necessary, the Police may invoke the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act, that provides for the detention of anyone involved in criminal activities, including those who are involved in secret society activities, that threaten public safety, peace and good order.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
17 November 2021 @ 2:00 AM