In a heart-wrenching turn of events, 25-year-old Mr. Fauzan Mazri’s dreams of a December engagement were tragically shattered when he received the devastating news of his girlfriend’s, 23-year-old Ms. Nur Afiah Hisham, untimely demise, according to The Straits Times.

A Love Blossoming at Al-Muttaqin Mosque

Fauzan met his girlfriend when their paths crossed as youth volunteers at the Al-Muttaqin Mosque in Ang Mo Kio. They shared a common bond in their dedication to community service and their faith.

The Al-Muttaqin Mosque served as the backdrop for their blossoming love story. As volunteers, they spent countless hours together, working on various community projects, and deepening their connection.

The couple had plans to take their relationship to the next level with an engagement ceremony scheduled for December. They both cherished the idea of a small and intimate celebration, where their families could share in their joy.

Just days before the tragic accident, Mr. Fauzan and Ms. Afiah had a heartfelt discussion about their impending engagement.

It was a conversation filled with hope and dreams, as they contemplated a future together. Little did they know that it would be their last moment of shared anticipation.

A Promising Life Cut Short

Tragedy struck on a fateful Sunday morning, October 1st, in Jurong East Central. Ms. Afiah’s life was tragically cut short in a devastating accident. She had just met Mr. Fauzan the night before, blissfully unaware of the impending tragedy.

Ms. Afiah, the second of six children and the only daughter in her family, had her own dreams and ambitions. In 2020, she obtained her motorcycle license, signifying her determination and independence. On that fateful morning, she was on her way to work at Marina Bay Sands.

News of Ms. Afiah’s tragic accident began circulating online after a post on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook page. Her story touched the hearts of many, and social media became a platform for friends and well-wishers to express their condolences and share their cherished memories of her.

Recap

On Sunday morning, tragedy struck in Jurong, Singapore when a young, 23-year-old female motorcyclist lost her life in a devastating traffic accident that occurred at approximately 10:05 am along Jurong Gateway Road.

Shortly after the incident, images of the accident’s aftermath surfaced on the SG Road Vigilante Facebook group.

The grim post was captioned, “Fatal accident in front of Block 131, Rider passed on.” The pictures depicted a motorcycle lying on its side near a bus stop, with a helmet and fragments of the bike scattered around. The gravity of the situation was evident.

First Responders on the Scene

The Singapore Civil Defence Force confirmed the accident and also verified the tragic loss of life, with an SCDF paramedic pronouncing the victim dead at the scene.

Upon receiving the distress call, both the police and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) swiftly arrived at the accident scene.

To maintain order and investigate the incident thoroughly, they cordoned off the area, diverting traffic to ensure everyone’s safety.

The Tragic Accident

According to reports by Lianhe Zaobao, the initial assessment by the police suggested that the motorcyclist had lost control of her bike, resulting in a tragic skid that led to a collision with another vehicle. The impact of the accident was catastrophic, claiming the young woman’s life instantly as she was reportedly killed on the spot.

In the wake of this tragedy, investigations are currently underway to determine the precise sequence of events that unfolded on that Sunday morning.

TikTok user Heather Chan shared in a video about why she moved to Singapore from San Francisco, shedding light on the burgeoning crime rate in The Golden City which led to her moving to the Lion City for safety.

Chan originally hailed from Cupertino, California, before moving to San Francisco back in 2013 to pursue a career in architecture.

The Decline of San Francisco

It all began in 2014 when Proposition 47 was passed in San Francisco. This new law reclassified all property crimes, including robbery, as misdemeanors if the value of stolen items amounted to less than US$950 (S$1305.95).

The intent was to reduce the prison population, but the unintended consequence was a surge in theft, as perpetrators no longer faced felony charges.

Heather Chan, who lived in San Francisco during this period, recalls a growing sense of lawlessness in the city.

In her first year of owning a car back in 2021, Heather experienced three burglaries where the thieves smashed her car. This rise in property crimes left residents like her feeling vulnerable and frustrated.

Safety and Security in Singapore: A Breath of Fresh Air

In contrast to her experiences in San Francisco, Heather, who has been living in Singapore for the past six months, shares that safety is almost guaranteed here.

She explains that she deosn’t have to worry about her belongings and there is safety and security everywhere. To highlight the difference, she shared that back in San Francisco, when she got assaulted in broad daylight while returning home from a dental appointment, nobody came forward to help her.

In Singapore, the situation is remarkably different. Heather states that she can wear her earphones and even go for a run in the middle of the night and nothing bad will happen to her.

A Drastic Change of Lifestyle: From Fear to Freedom

One particularly harrowing incident stands out in Heather’s memory. She revealed that one week prior to her departure to Singapore, she was walking her dog along Rincon Hill in San Francisco, which is touted as one of the safest neighbourhoods in the city; when she saw a man running about 3 metres away from her with a gun in his hand.

She said that at that moment she saw her whole life flash before her eyes.

Whereas in Singapore, life is markedly different. Heather and her husband enjoy leisurely walks while playing Pokemon Go, with their only concerns being cars and motorized scooters.

The disparity in safety is further evident in the precautions taken by residents. In San Francisco, Heather mentions that her husband had to walk behind her, keeping a lookout for suspicious characters when she walked her dog.

Women in the city are encouraged to carry tasers or pepper spray for protection. However, for Heather, these measures seemed futile as she often froze up in stressful situations.

@unicornheatt Why I left San Francisco…and moved to Singapore Still love san francisco and left my heart there 🤍but i think san francisco in 2023 is just too dangerous and not worth the risk. #leavingsanfrancisco #sgexpat #movedabroad #sanfranciscocrime #leavingcalifornia ♬ original sound – unicornheatt

@unicornheatt Replying to @i_dunno_how_to_tiktok pt 2 for why I left San Francisco and picked Singapore! #sgtiktok #sgfyp #leavingusa ♬ original sound – unicornheatt

62-year-old Tan Phuay Khoo, a former SBS Transit driver, was sentenced to seven months in jail following an accident in 2021 when a bus he was driving struck a pedestrian, resulting in the amputation of part of her left leg.

In light of the evidence presented during the trial, Tan Phuay Khoo was sentenced on 3 October to seven months’ imprisonment, according to The Straits Times.

Additionally, he was disqualified from holding or obtaining all classes of driving licenses for five years from his date of release. Despite the verdict, Tan intends to appeal against his conviction and sentence and was offered bail of $15,000.

The Incident

On January 19, 2021, Tan Phuay Khoo was operating a bus in the afternoon noon when he approached the junction of Pasir Ris Drive 1 and Pasir Ris Drive 2.

Meanwhile, a woman pedestrian was crossing Pasir Ris Drive 1, with the traffic light in her favor. Despite waiting for a van to pass, Tan proceeded to make a discretionary right turn, which led to a collision with the woman.

The consequences of this collision were severe. The victim sustained injuries that included the skin on her left leg being ripped off.

As a result of these injuries, the woman had to undergo the amputation of part of her left leg.

Legal Proceedings

During the trial, Tan Phuay Khoo was convicted of causing grievous hurt to the woman by driving in an inconsiderate manner.

The prosecution argued that he should have been more cautious, especially considering that the pedestrian had the right of way.

Deputy Public Prosecutor R. Arvindren emphasized that the victim was walking at a normal pace, and the turn occurred within a residential zone.

It was pointed out that Tan, operating a heavy vehicle, proceeded with the turn despite the pedestrian green light being in her favor.

Tan’s defense maintained that he did not notice the pedestrian before the collision. However, the prosecution contended that he should have stopped and checked if obstructions hindered his visibility.

Doctor’s testimony

The trial started on 4 April with the doctor who was in charge of the victim’s rehabilitation being called to the stand by the prosecution.

The doctor, who works at Changi General Hospital as a senior consultant, testified in court that the woman was seriously injured in the accident and suffered lacerations to her forehead and left foot and fractures to her spine and legs.

They tried to save her right thigh by amputating her leg below her left knee but later discovered that there was insufficient blood supply to the left thigh, and subsequently removed her left thigh in a second surgery.

The victim currently requires a prosthetic leg and is also suffering from mental trauma aside from her permanent disability.

Victim’s testimony in court

Bai testified that on the day of the horror accident, she was on her way to the supermarket to buy some groceries.

She said that she had started crossing the road at the time when the green man on the traffic light was flashing before she heard a bang. She said that the next moment, she found herself on a hospital bed.

On her serious leg injuries, she said that her left was amputated from her thigh down after the accident, and her right leg was also fractured and had to be surgically reconstructed.

As such, she is no longer able to walk up or down stairs; or run, jump and squat without assistance.

She also said that she is not willing to go out anymore because she felt that she had become a different person now.

The victim also broke down while testifying in court, revealing that she has a 10-year-old daughter and sharing that she is worried about going out with her daughter after the accident.

She said that she is afraid of the weird looks that she gets from the public and fears it would be too much for her daughter, adding that she is worried about her daughter’s future.

The victim’s mother who was sitting in the public gallery of the courtroom, also broke down after seeing her daughter crying on the stand.

A 48-year-old Singapore Prison Service (SPS) administration officer, Mohamed Rahadian Mohamed Kassim, allegedly took $406 in cash from an inmate and subsequently lied to a police officer that he had found it, according to The Straits Times.

Understanding the Charges

Mohamed Rahadian Mohamed Kassim, a 48-year-old SPS administration officer, faces three serious charges:

1. Criminal Breach of Trust

The first charge against Rahadian pertains to criminal breach of trust. He is accused of unlawfully taking $406 in cash from an inmate. This charge underscores the significance of trust and accountability within the prison service.

2. Perverting the Course of Justice

In the second charge, Rahadian is accused of perverting the course of justice. This offense involves tampering with evidence or obstructing the legal process. The circumstances surrounding this charge remain somewhat mysterious, as it is unclear why he allegedly placed the money between polymer bags.

3. Giving False Information to a Policeman

The third charge alleges that Rahadian provided false information to a police officer. According to court documents, he claimed to have found the $406 in a pocket of his trousers while ironing, which he later handed to the officer. This act led to the police investing additional time and resources investigating.

The Timeline of Events

The incident unfolded on November 18, 2022, within a property processing room at Institution S2 in Upper Changi Road North.

Rahadian was reportedly in the same room when he allegedly took the inmate’s money. Three days later, he found himself in the room again, where he is believed to have tampered with the evidence.

The next significant event occurred on December 30, 2022, when Rahadian spoke to a police inspector in a Jalan Mata Ayer condominium unit near Sembawang Road.

During this conversation, he claimed to have found the $406 in his trousers and handed it over to the officer. This action triggered a thorough investigation into the matter.

The Consequences

Rahadian’s case is set to be mentioned in court on October 25. If convicted of criminal breach of trust by a public servant, he could face a life sentence or up to 20 years in jail, along with a fine.

SPS’s Stance

In response to the allegations, the Singapore Prison Service issued a statement on January 13, 2023, confirming Rahadian’s suspension. They expressed their commitment to upholding exemplary standards of integrity, discipline, and personal conduct among their officers.

Tan Sen Yang, one of seven individuals involved in a fatal brawl at Orchard Towers in 2019, is the sole member still facing a murder charge related to the incident.

The case has captured the attention of the public due to its grim nature and the potential consequences for Tan.

Tan was in court on Tuesday (3 October) for the first day of his murder trial in the High Court, where he is being charged with the murder of 31-year-old Satheesh Noel Gobidass on 2 July 2019 at about 6.25am, according to The Straits Times.

He will face either the death penalty or life in prison with caning if he is convicted of the murder.

What happened?

The incident occurred on July 2, 2019, at approximately 6:25 am. Tan Sen Yang, aged 27 at the time, was at Orchard Towers when a dispute escalated into a violent confrontation.

What makes this case particularly disturbing is the weapon he was wielding—a karambit knife with a curved blade and a finger ring at the end of the handle.

Surveillance footage played during the trial revealed that Tan punched the victim, Mr. Satheesh Noel Gobidass, three times in the face while brandishing the karambit knife.

The weapon, however, was never recovered, as Tan discarded it before surrendering to the police.

The Consequences

Tragically, Mr. Satheesh succumbed to his injuries about an hour later at Tan Tock Seng Hospital. An autopsy revealed that he died from a stab wound to the neck.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Hay Hung Chun emphasized in his opening address that the evidence would demonstrate Tan’s intent to cause this injury, refuting any claims of an accident or unintended harm.

The Build-Up to the Altercation

The altercation was not a spontaneous event. Tan and his friends had arrived at the club around 5:25 am on that fateful day.

At approximately 6:20 am, tensions flared as they engaged in a dispute with another group of patrons, which included Mr. Muhammad Fairus Muhammad Ali. Tan and his friends were also shouting gang slogans.

Security officers intervened to quell the situation, but Tan continued to behave aggressively, even waving the karambit knife.

The Series of Violent Acts

During the scuffle that ensued, Tan allegedly slashed Mr. Fairus’ face, leaving a permanent scar. He also allegedly cut the finger of a security guard, Mr B. Barathkrishnan, who was trying to de-escalate the situation. Tan faced two assault charges related to these injuries, although they were temporarily set aside.

After security officers managed to separate the two groups, Tan and his friends headed to the ground floor. It was here that Mr. Satheesh, an acquaintance of Mr. Fairus, confronted Tan’s group. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to Tan’s violent assault on Mr. Satheesh.

Tan’s Flight and Surrender

Following the brutal assault, Tan and his companions continued to attack Mr. Satheesh before fleeing the scene. Tan, covered in blood, sought refuge at Mr. Loo Boon Chong’s residence, where he changed out of his bloodstained T-shirt. Mr. Loo later disposed of the incriminating evidence, while Tan discarded the murder weapon.

Upon learning of the victim’s demise, Tan decided to surrender. He contacted the police, leading to his arrest near the Toa Payoh South Community Club around 2:35 pm later that day.

The Co-Defendants’ Outcomes

The six other individuals initially arrested alongside Tan faced murder charges but saw their charges reduced to less serious offenses based on their respective roles in the incident.

1. Loo Boon Chong was jailed 5 months for disposing of Tan’s bloodstained shirt.
2. Natalie Siow Yu Zhen was jailed 5 months for assault and being in the company of someone with an illegal weapon.
3. Joel Tan Yun Sheng was jailed 4 weeks for assault.
4. Ang Da Yuan was jailed 7 months and given six strokes of the cane for assault and being in the company of Tan.
5. Chan Jia Xing received a conditional warning, which does not result in a conviction or a criminal record.
6. Tan Hong Sheng was jailed 4 years and 9 months, as well as being given 12 strokes of the cane for being in the company of Tan and for two unrelated rioting charges.

The Trial Ahead

With Tan Sen Yang’s trial underway, a total of 47 prosecution witnesses are lined up to provide their testimony. Tan is being defended by Mr. Teo Choo Kee, Mr. Subir Singh Grewal, and Mr. Nichol Yeo.