A 22-year-old man was allegedly stabbed in the early hours of Friday along Aliwal Street in Kampong Gelam, and 2 suspects have since been arrested.
The Singapore Police Force (CPF) in a statement that they were alerted to the incident on Friday (17 March) at about 2.57am.
When officers arrived at the scene, the victim was found with lacerations on his right chest and was sent to Tan Tock Seng Hospital conscious.
The two male suspects who allegedly stabbed the victim, aged 22 and 23, were identified by police officers through follow up investigations and the use of police and CCTV cameras.
They were subsequently arrested and will be charged in court today (18 March) for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapon under Section 326 of the Penal Code. If found guilty, they face either life imprisonment of imprison for up to 15 years with caning and/or a fine.
The Singapore Police Force added that “the Police take a zero tolerance approach towards such acts of violence and will not hesitate to take action against those who blatantly disregard the law.”
Violent crimes in Singapore
Singapore is widely known for its safety and low crime rate. However, like any other country, Singapore does have incidents of violent crime, including stabbing cases.
According to the Singapore Police Force’s Annual Crime Brief, the number of reported cases of stabbing and related offenses in 2020 decreased by 21.4% compared to the previous year. However, that does not mean that the issue of stabbing is not a concern for the government and the public.
In response to these incidents, the Singapore government has implemented stringent laws and regulations to ensure public safety.
For instance, the Penal Code of Singapore states that anyone who commits murder or voluntary causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons, including knives and sharp objects, shall be punished with life imprisonment or death.
Additionally, carrying any weapon or sharp object in a public place without a valid reason is considered an offense in Singapore, and those found guilty may face imprisonment and fines.
Moreover, community engagement and awareness play an essential role in reducing the number of stabbing incidents in Singapore. The Singapore Police Force collaborates with grassroots organizations and volunteers to conduct outreach programs and campaigns that promote safe and harmonious neighborhoods. The community is encouraged to report any suspicious or violent behavior to the police and to intervene if they witness any acts of violence.