In a somber incident, a 58-year-old woman was discovered dead in her Potong Pasir flat after neighbours reported a foul smell emanating from her unit, according to Shin Min Daily News. The incident unfolded on Friday night, around 10 pm, leaving the community in shock and prompting police investigations.

Neighbours Raise the Alarm

The tragic discovery occurred when neighbours on Potong Pasir Avenue 1 detected a foul odor permeating from the second-floor unit where the woman resided. Concerned about the unusual smell and unable to establish contact with the occupant, they decided to alert the police.

Reports indicate that the deceased, a 58-year-old Chinese woman, lived alone in her second-floor flat at Block 118. Residents expressed their surprise at the sudden demise, noting that while she appeared healthy, no friends or relatives were observed visiting her.

Upon arriving at the scene, reporters found the police cordoning off the corridor outside the flat for evidence collection. The air carried a putrid smell, leaving a solemn atmosphere in the vicinity. Neighbours shared their shock and sadness, lamenting the passing of an elderly resident without the knowledge of friends or family.

Insights from Neighbours

One resident, Ms Cao, a 41-year-old hawker stall assistant, described the deceased as friendly, often exchanging greetings and chats with neighbours. However, the absence of visitors and sudden death surprised those who knew her. Another neighbour, Mr Chen, aged 60, revealed detecting a bad smell a couple of days before the discovery, initially attributing it to potential rotting food.

In response to the incident, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) received a report of an unnatural death at the location. Upon reaching the scene, they found the 58-year-old woman, believed to have collapsed at home. Despite paramedics pronouncing her dead at the scene, preliminary investigations have ruled out foul play. However, the case remains under active investigation.

In a heartbreaking incident on January 23, tragedy struck Institution Hill in River Valley as a road accident claimed the life of four-year-old Zara Mei Orlic. The police have since arrested a 40-year-old woman under suspicion of careless driving causing death, according to Shin Min Daily News.

Unfolding Events

The unfortunate incident occurred around 4:55 pm, sending shockwaves through the local community. Preliminary reports suggest a collision between a car and a pedestrian, with young Zara Mei Orlic identified as the victim.

The woman behind the wheel of the involved car was taken into police custody on the grounds of suspected careless driving leading to the tragic death of the young girl.

Upon receiving reports of the accident, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) swiftly responded to the scene. Zara Mei Orlic, unconscious after the collision, was promptly transported to the hospital for medical attention.

Despite the efforts of medical professionals, the young girl succumbed to her injuries. Police investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the accident. The details of the collision and the events leading up to it are being thoroughly examined to determine the facts of the case.

Devastated Family

According to a report by Mothership; Zara, accompanied by her younger sister and the family’s helper, was on her way home from school, crossing Institution Hill in River Valley.

Humming a song, Zara’s innocent routine took a devastating turn when she was struck by a car, despite the desperate screams of their helper, who was just two steps behind, urging the driver to stop.

A resident nearby, alerted by the sound of the impact, captured the heartbreaking scene on video, showing the helper wailing while cradling Zara in her arms.

Zara’s father, Nick Orlic, shared the heart-wrenching details of that tragic day. Despite being only five minutes away, he arrived to witness a scene that no parent should ever experience.

In his own words, Nick described the initial shock, believing his daughter might not survive. Despite a faint pulse, Zara’s injuries proved extensive.

An ambulance arrived approximately ten minutes later, rushing Zara to the hospital. Despite the medical team’s efforts, the doctors conveyed the devastating news to Nick — the injuries were not survivable.

Zara’s father pleaded for continued efforts, asking them to wait for his wife, who was rushing to the hospital. Unfortunately, Zara succumbed to her injuries shortly after her mother’s arrival.

In the digital age, moments of tension and confrontation often find their way onto social media platforms, and a recent video circulating on Facebook has captured the public’s attention. The footage documents a heated altercation between a family and another driver on the road, leaving viewers both captivated and disturbed.

The Singapore Police Force are also aware of the incident and are investigating the altercation between the two MPV drivers, according to TODAY.

The Video’s Mysterious Beginning

The video kicks off without any context, plunging viewers directly into the midst of a confrontation. The camera person, seemingly aggrieved, approaches another vehicle to address an issue not immediately apparent to viewers. The lack of initial context leaves room for speculation about what might have triggered the unfolding drama.

As the camera person confronts the occupants of the other car, tensions escalate rapidly. The driver of the second vehicle responds with offensive language, scolding the camera person with a vulgar phrase involving their mother. This sparks visible anger in the camera person, who, in turn, repeatedly questions the other driver, “Eh, why you [expletive] my mother?”

The situation quickly takes a physical turn when the other driver, his fist clenched, exits his vehicle. A punch is thrown, connecting with the camera person and sending them sprawling onto the ground. The camera person, now on the receiving end of the physical altercation, begins screaming wildly, adding a disturbing layer to the unfolding scene.

Social Media Reaction

Within hours of being shared on Facebook, the video garnered significant attention, with thousands of views, comments, and shares. The online community, always ready to offer opinions, has been actively engaging in discussions about the incident. Speculation about the motives of both parties and debates on who might be at fault have fueled the online conversation.

The video raises numerous questions, and concerns have been voiced about the dangers of such confrontations escalating into physical violence. Viewers, lacking the full context, are left to interpret the incident based on the limited information provided by the video.

You can watch the full video here, as well as the POV from the other driver here.

Cameraman Makes Public Statement

In a shocking turn of events, a senior research engineer at the Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A*Star), Vuong Dao Nghe, 40, has been accused of molesting a 29-year-old woman at Clarke Quay. This incident, is alleged to have occurred around 2.15 am on August 20, 2023, according to The Straits Times.

A*Star, in a statement issued on January 26, emphasized their commitment to the highest standards of conduct and integrity. The organization expressed a stern view towards staff breaching these standards and assured that appropriate action would be taken. However, due to the ongoing legal proceedings, detailed comments on the case were withheld.

Legal Proceedings

Vuong Dao Nghe’s case has been adjourned to February 21, marking a critical juncture in the ongoing investigation. The Singaporean engineer is one among more than 10 men charged with molestation on January 23 in unrelated incidents.

Three of the accused men faced charges related to incidents within Marina Bay Sands. Al Amin, 41, allegedly molested a 27-year-old woman at the Ce La Vi club around 2.40 am on October 12, 2023. Jephthah Goh Poh Khang, 29, faced accusations of molesting a 25-year-old woman at the Marquee Singapore nightclub shortly before 5.20 am on November 25, 2023. Furthermore, on January 1, 2024, July Izaak, 30, allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at the Avenue Singapore lounge.

Police’s Press Release

11 men, aged between 21 and 67, will be charged in court on 23 January 2024 for their suspected involvement in separate cases of molestation.

The cases are as follows: 

1. On 7 April 2023, a 67-year-old man allegedly molested a 14-year-old girl at a stall along New Bugis Street. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
2.  On 18 April 2023, a 24-year-old man allegedly molested a nine-year-old girl outside a residential unit along Tampines Street 83. A Police report was lodged on 23 April 2023. Through swift follow-up investigations, Police officers identified the man and arrested him within an hour of the report. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty of a person below 14 years of age under Section 354(2) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
3. On 6 August 2023, a 48-year-old man allegedly molested three different women, aged between 18 and 40, in the vicinity of Orchard Road. He also allegedly choked another 20-year-old woman’s neck and shoved her backwards. The man was detained at the scene and subsequently arrested on the same day. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty and one count of criminal force under Section 354(1) and Section 352 of the Penal Code 1871.
   
4. On 20 August 2023, a 40-year-old man allegedly molested a 29-year-old woman at a club along River Valley Road. A police report was lodged on the same day.  The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
5. On 1 September 2023, a 57-year-old man allegedly molested a 32-year-old woman near the junction of River Valley Road and Nathan Road. A police report was lodged on the following day. Through extensive follow-up investigations and ground enquiries, the Police managed to establish the man’s identity and arrested him on 18 September 2023. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
6. On 11 September 2023, a 55-year-old man allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at a coffee shop along Kelantan Lane. He also allegedly punched and kicked her. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty and one count of voluntarily causing hurt under Section 354(1) and Section 323 of the Penal Code 1871 respectively.
   
7. On 7 October 2023, a 38-year-old man allegedly molested a 18-year-old woman at a residential unit along Balestier Road. A Police report was lodged on the following day. The man will be charged with three counts of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
   
8. On 12 October 2023, a 41-year-old man allegedly molested a 27-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871. 
   
9. On 12 November 2023, a 21-year-old man allegedly molested a 26-year-old woman along Serangoon Road. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871. 
   
10. On 25 November 2023, a 29-year-old man allegedly molested a 25-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.
    
11. On 1 January 2024, a 30-year-old man allegedly molested a 31-year-old woman at a club along Bayfront Avenue. The man was subsequently arrested at scene by Police officers who attended to the incident. The man will be charged with one count of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871.

The offence of outrage of modesty under Section 354(1) of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term which may extend to three years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.

The offence of outrage of modesty of a person below 14 years of age under Section 354(2) of the Penal Code 1871 carries an imprisonment term which may extend to five years, a fine, caning, or any combination of such punishments.

Outrage of modesty cases remain a key concern for the Police. The Police treat all reports seriously and will spare no effort to conduct investigations thoroughly and expeditiously, which includes identifying and tracing the suspects through follow-up investigations and with the aid of Police cameras and CCTV footage if they are unknown to the victims. The Police may also place the suspects under arrest for investigations and may prosecute them in court subsequently. The Police have zero tolerance towards sexual offenders who threaten the personal safety of those in the community, and offenders will be dealt with sternly in accordance with the law. 

The Police will continue to work closely with various stakeholders, such as public entertainment outlets, and the community, to prevent and deter molestation cases. The Police would also like to urge members of the public to remain vigilant and to report the matter to the Police immediately, if they witness an incident of molestation, or are aware of someone being a victim of molestation.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
22 January 2024 @ 4:00 PM