Six Men to Face Charges for Alleged Molestation Cases in Singapore
On November 4, 2024, six men, aged between 25 and 50, are set to be charged in court for their suspected involvement in various cases of molestation that occurred throughout the year. The incidents, which took place in different locations across Singapore, highlight ongoing concerns regarding personal safety and the prevalence of sexual offenses in public spaces.
1. Club Incident on Bayfront Avenue: 33-Year-Old Man Charged with Molestation
On August 24, 2024, a 33-year-old man allegedly molested a 26-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. He was arrested at the scene by police officers and will face one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
2. Coffeeshop Incident on Jurong Gateway Road: 38-Year-Old Man Arrested for Molestation
On July 27, 2024, a 38-year-old man is accused of molesting a 32-year-old woman at a coffeeshop along Jurong Gateway Road. He was apprehended at the scene by police officers and will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1).
3. South Bridge Road Incident: 25-Year-Old Man Charged with Molestation
On July 4, 2024, a 25-year-old man allegedly molested a 46-year-old woman along South Bridge Road. He was arrested at the scene by police officers and will face one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1).
4. Public Bus Incident: 50-Year-Old Man Charged with Molestation and Misappropriation
On June 13, 2024, a 50-year-old man allegedly molested a 33-year-old woman on board a public bus. Following investigations and police camera footage, he was identified and arrested. He will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) and one count of dishonest misappropriation of movable property under Section 403.
5. Hotel Lobby Incident on Temasek Boulevard: 41-Year-Old Man Charged with Molestation of Minor
On April 24, 2024, a 41-year-old man allegedly molested a 13-year-old girl at a hotel lobby along Temasek Boulevard. The police were able to identify and arrest him on the same day. He will face one count of outrage of modesty of a person below 14 years of age under Section 354(2).
6. Coffeeshop Incident on Hougang Avenue 10: 35-Year-Old Man Arrested for Molestation
On January 18, 2024, a 35-year-old man allegedly molested a 43-year-old woman at a coffeeshop along Hougang Avenue 10. He was arrested shortly after the incident and will face one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1).
The penalties for these offenses are significant. Under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code, the punishment for outrage of modesty can include imprisonment for up to three years, fines, caning, or a combination of these. For offenses involving victims under 14 years of age, the punishment under Section 354(2) can extend to five years. Additionally, the offense of dishonest misappropriation of property under Section 403 carries a potential sentence of up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.
The Singapore Police Force has reiterated its zero-tolerance stance towards sexual offenses, emphasizing the importance of community safety. They are committed to working closely with various stakeholders, including public entertainment venues and transport operators, to prevent and deter such incidents. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior or incidents of molestation to the authorities promptly.