In a shocking incident that unfolded in the early hours of September 14, 2023, two young men, both 20 years old, found themselves injured after being allegedly attacked by a group of six individuals armed with parang knives.
The incident took place at a coffee shop along Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, as reported by Shin Min Daily News.
The swift response of the Singapore Police Force led to the arrest of the six suspects, aged between 22 and 34, on charges of rioting with deadly weapons, as confirmed in a police news release yesterday (15 September).
According to Zhang, the forewoman of the kopitiam (coffee shop), at the time of the incident, a group consisting of three men and a woman were engaged in casual conversation at a corner table. All appeared to be in their twenties and were known as regular customers of the establishment.
Shortly thereafter, three of the men moved to the smoking area, while the woman remained at the table, engrossed in her writing. It was during this momentary separation that the unexpected unfolded.
As two of the men returned from their quick smoke break and entered the kopitiam, chaos ensued. The man in the white shirt, who had just emerged from the restroom, became the target of the shocking attack. In a sudden and brutal assault, six men barged into the coffee shop, brandishing parang knives.
Zhang described how the man in the white shirt managed to escape the initial onslaught and rushed back to the drink stall within the kopitiam to request water. He also sought refuge in the restroom to tend to his wounds. Eventually, he took a seat, seemingly in shock and pain.
The Stoic Diners
The severity of the incident cannot be understated. CCTV footage from the kopitiam revealed that numerous tables and chairs were overturned during the intense fight. However, what truly baffled onlookers and even law enforcement was the response of the other patrons.
Despite the violent commotion unfolding before them, the majority of the diners remained remarkably unperturbed. Some calmly continued to enjoy their meals, while others relocated to different tables, casually carrying their drinks along.
Official Police Statement
In a press release, the police confirmed that they received reports of the altercation involving weapons at the scene at approximately 3:55 a.m. on Thursday.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered the two injured men, who were known to each other. The preliminary investigation indicated that the attack stemmed from a dispute with the assailants.
Thanks to various surveillance cameras, both within the kopitiam and those belonging to the police, officers from the Ang Mo Kio Police Division were able to swiftly identify and apprehend the suspects.
One of the assailants, a 31-year-old man, has already been charged in court for rioting with a deadly weapon. He is currently in custody pending further investigations. Additionally, five other men, aged between 22 and 34, will also face charges for the same offense on September 16, 2023.
The police are currently investigating the incident.
If found guilty, the individuals involved in the attack could face severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years and caning.