In May 2021, a disturbing incident took place in Choa Chu Kang that left the community shocked and concerned about racial harmony.
A man, Wong Xing Fong, racially insulted a stranger, Madam Hindocha Nita Vishnubhai, and even kicked her in the chest.
According to The Straits Times, the prosecution has presented its case in court, urging the district judge to hand down a sentence of six to nine months’ jail, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses and the importance of strong deterrence to maintain community harmony.
On the other hand, Wong’s defense lawyer has pleaded for a lighter sentence, portraying Wong as a kind and caring individual who acted out of character.
He is set to be sentenced on 7 August.
The Incident and Trial
Wong Xing Fong, 32, attacked Madam Hindocha Nita Vishnubhai near Northvale condominium in Choa Chu Kang in May 2021. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 31.
Madam Nita, 57, testified that she was briskly walking to Choa Chu Kang Stadium, where she worked at a fast-food restaurant, with her mask down when she heard someone shouting.
She turned and saw Wong and his fiancee, Ms Chua Yun Han, who were unfamiliar to her. They told her to “mask up.”
In response, Madam Nita explained that she was exercising and sweating, gesturing to illustrate her point. However, instead of de-escalating the situation, Wong verbally insulted her.
In an attempt to diffuse the tension, Madam Nita responded with “God bless you.” Despite this, Wong kicked her in the chest before jogging away with his fiancee.
An eyewitness, unrelated to either party, helped Madam Nita to her feet and provided first aid for a wound on her left forearm.
She reported the incident to the police later that evening. The prosecution presented the testimony of the eyewitness, who confirmed witnessing Wong kicking Madam Nita.
The prosecution regarded Madam Nita as a truthful witness and dismissed the notion that she framed Wong without any provocation.
During the trial, Wong, represented by lawyer Sim Bing Wen, claimed that Madam Nita was sarcastic, aggressive, and used vulgar language towards him.
He also alleged that she spat at him and his fiancee, prompting him to push her. Although Wong admitted to using vulgar language, he denied using any racial insults.
The prosecution rebutted Wong’s claims, stating that the allegation of Madam Nita spitting at him was contradicted by the behavior of Wong and his fiancee.
It was deemed peculiar that Wong remained in close contact with Chua after the alleged incident, considering his concern about spreading illnesses to her immunocompromised parent.
Wong and his fiancee testified that he went to a washroom at the nearby Lot One mall to clean up after the incident.
However, the prosecution presented closed-circuit television footage that showed them ordering food together, contradicting their claim.