On August 17, 2023, the Singapore Police Force apprehended a 51-year-old man in connection with two instances of vandalism near Buona Vista.
The arrest came as a result of investigative work and the utilization of police cameras to identify the suspect.
The Vandalism Incidents Unfold
Graffiti Strikes Twice
The Singapore Police Force issued a news release on August 18, revealing that they had received reports of vandalism on August 8.
In both cases, the walls of a building situated near Buona Vista were defaced with black graffiti. The first location, a building along North Buona Vista Drive, fell victim to spray-painted markings.
The second location was an underpass leading to Exit A of the Buona Vista MRT station. This underpass bore the brunt of a 5-meter-long graffiti scratch adorned with cryptic symbols and a thought-provoking message.
Decrypting the Graffiti Message
The most striking feature of the graffiti in the underpass was a bold statement that read: “IF 1 (drawing of a syringe) = 1 DEATH = 1 (drawing of a man being hanged) HOW MANY 4 U SG GOV?”
The Pursuit of Justice
Changing Attire, Not Destiny
In a bid to evade capture, the alleged vandal reportedly changed his clothes to avoid being identified. However, through on-ground inquiries and the assistance of surveillance cameras, officers from the Clementi Police Division successfully managed to establish the suspect’s identity, leading to his arrest on August 17.
The Road Ahead
The 51-year-old suspect is set to face charges for his alleged involvement in the vandalism cases. Scheduled to appear in court on August 19, he will be charged with vandalism under Singaporean law.
If convicted, the consequences are severe, encompassing a potential prison sentence of up to three years, a caning punishment with a range of three to eight strokes, and a substantial fine of up to S$2,000.