A Facebook user, Mai Surah, shared an appeal for witnesses regarding an alleged incident that happened to her on 8 March.
Here is what she said
Hi Friends!
I’m appealing for witnesses. Please help!
On Tuesday, 8 March 2022 at about 6pm, my husband noticed that there were 3 people loitering at the playground and taking pictures of our children who were playing there.
My husband approached one of them and ask him why they are taking pictures of our children.
This man (SDA #1) said “nothing concerns you”. and “I will delete them later.” and then shoved my husband. They began running away.
My husband then took his bicycle to chase after them while I try to keep up. I began taking pictures of them when i manage to keep up after the traffic lights.
While i was taking photos, one of them (SDA #3) pushed me down onto the road and i fell on my tummy knowing that I’m pregnant (i am 9 months pregnant) he kicked me while I was lying down trying to get back up.
During this time, a car drove by and honked at us. This happened at about 6:16pm along Woodlands Ave 1 Blk 536A.
My husband stopped the man who kicked me and manage to hold him down while waiting for the police. While the other 2 (SDA #1 and #2) ran away.
It turned out that these 2 men and 1 women were SDAs. I found the pass at the grass patch but we are still unsure if they are REAL SDAs.
Police came 10 minutes later. Report has been made and statements have been taken. My baby is thankfully alright although my face was swollen and sustained bruises. Unfortunately, we did not receive any updates from any source.
In order to make a stronger case, we need witnesses and the car that drove by to give their account on what they saw.
I have so many questions regarding these SDAs.
1. Why didn’t they identify themselves when asked? They also did not display their passes.
2. Why are they running away and appear/acting suspicious and violent?
3. Are they allowed to take pictures whenever they like and then delete them later? Who will supervise and ensure that they will delete later?
4. Will there be any disciplinary action taken against them? I hope the authority can shed some light on this.
HDB responds
We are aware of a social media post describing an incident involving our Safe Distancing Ambassadors who were carrying out their duties at Woodlands.
On 8 March 2022, three of our Safe Distancing Ambassadors were on patrol and taking some pictures for routine reporting purposes, when they encountered two members of the public.
An altercation arose, and our Safe Distancing Ambassadors have since made police reports.
Our Safe Distancing Ambassadors wear their passes so that they can identify themselves as Safe Distancing Ambassadors, in the course of their duty.
As the Police are investigating, we are unable to comment further and would urge the public to refrain from speculating on the incident pending these investigations.