New details have emerged following the fatal stabbing at Block 55 Lengkok Bahru, revealing that the 59-year-old victim was a single father whose 20-year-old son was reportedly present during the incident.
According to Shin Min Daily News, The victim allegedly lost his life after being attacked by his 59-year-old neighbour on July 20. The suspect, identified in court as Ng Swee Seng, has since been charged with murder and remains in custody pending further proceedings.
A remembrance gathering was held on the evening of July 22, where residents, community leaders and members of the public came together to pay tribute to the deceased and show support for his grieving family.
Son Reportedly Witnessed Father’s Final Moments
According to residents who spoke to Chinese-language media, an argument allegedly broke out between the victim and Ng shortly before the fatal incident.
One eyewitness claimed he saw the accused return to his flat before emerging with a knife. Although he immediately contacted the police and shouted in an attempt to stop what was happening, he said he was too far away to physically intervene.
The witness added that the victim’s 20-year-old son was reportedly at the scene when the attack unfolded, describing the experience as likely to have been deeply traumatic for the young man.
The eyewitness also claimed that the suspect threw the blood-stained knife from the 16th floor after the incident. The victim was later found motionless near the lift lobby and was pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
Emotional And Financial Support Being Arranged
Queenstown SMC Member of Parliament Eric Chua said he had met with the victim’s son following the tragedy and described him as emotionally devastated.
According to reports, the son has special needs. Chua said efforts are underway to ensure he receives immediate financial assistance, counselling and temporary accommodation while longer-term arrangements are put in place.
He added that the young man is currently unable to return to the flat due to the trauma associated with the incident. Community organisations, grassroots volunteers, counsellors and other support services are expected to continue assisting him as he copes with the loss of his father.
Long-Standing Dispute Allegedly Existed
Neighbours told reporters that both the victim and his son had moved into the block around two to three years ago.
One resident claimed the victim would deliberately avoid crossing paths with the accused by taking the stairs to another level before using the lift, suggesting tensions between the two had existed for some time.
It had previously been reported that the pair were involved in a long-running dispute. Some neighbours also alleged that the victim occasionally drank alone at a nearby coffee shop and was sometimes seen urinating along the corridor, resulting in complaints about unpleasant odours.
Accused Lived Alone For Years
Residents said the accused had been living at Lengkok Bahru for more than two decades after his mother’s passing and was generally seen alone.
Some neighbours described him as someone who would casually chat with residents, while others claimed he disliked people walking past his unit, prompting some to take alternative routes to avoid confrontation.
During an earlier court hearing, Ng reportedly said he would scold people whenever he heard noises outside his flat, adding that he reacted because he heard voices.
His case has been adjourned to Aug. 12. If convicted of murder, he could face the death penalty under Singapore law.
Community Pays Final Tribute
The remembrance event drew residents from the estate as well as members of the public wishing to pay their respects.
A memorial area was set up at the multi-purpose hall of Block 55A Lengkok Bahru, where attendees laid white flowers and penned messages in a condolence book.
Religious leaders from different faiths led prayers during the gathering before visiting the victim’s flat to offer their final respects, reflecting the community’s solidarity in the aftermath of the tragedy.
Image via Shin Min Daily News