In a tragic incident on Dec 10, 2024, a knife attack at a hardware store in Hougang Street 21 left a 34-year-old woman dead and two others injured, including the 42-year-old suspect. The assault took place around 11am at a shophouse near Kovan Market and Food Centre, shocking the local community.
The victim, believed to be a staff member at the hardware shop, was found with severe stab wounds and succumbed to her injuries in the hospital. Another staff member, a 26-year-old man, was injured while attempting to intervene.
The suspect, also believed to work at the shop, was found injured at the scene and arrested. Preliminary investigations revealed that all parties involved knew one another.
Timeline of Events
- 11:00am: Loud screams were heard from the Quan Long Nippon Paint hardware store.
- 11:05am: Police and emergency services received a call for assistance.
- 11:15am: Paramedics arrived and transported three injured individuals to Changi General Hospital and Sengkang General Hospital.
- 2:00pm: Police cordoned off the hardware store and adjacent shops for investigation.
- 5:00pm: The cordons were lifted, and shop staff began cleaning bloodstains.
Eyewitness Accounts
- Nearby shopkeeper (unnamed):
“We heard a woman screaming, and some people went to see what was going on. They quickly told everyone to hide because there was a man with a knife.” - Fruit stall assistant:
“I saw a man stabbing the woman seven to eight times. Another worker tried to stop him and got injured too.” - Nearby clinic staff:
Dr. Chong Wen Yu, who works at a nearby clinic, rushed out to assist the injured but declined to comment further.
Police and Legal Actions
The Singapore Police Force (SPF) arrested the suspect at the scene and confirmed he had sustained injuries during the attack. He will be charged with murder on Dec 12, which carries the death penalty under Singapore law if convicted.
Police stated that investigations are ongoing and emphasized that all involved parties were known to one another, ruling out any indication of a random act of violence.
Community Reactions and Safety Concerns
The incident, which took place in a busy commercial area, has raised concerns among residents and shopkeepers:
- Local Residents: Expressed shock at the attack occurring in a typically peaceful neighborhood.
- Shop Owners: Some reported feeling uneasy about safety and requested enhanced police patrols.
A Rising Trend? Recent Cases of Murder in Singapore
This incident marks the third murder case in two weeks and the ninth in 2024:
- Nov 30: A 67-year-old woman was killed in an Ang Mo Kio HDB flat.
- Dec 2: A 30-year-old woman’s body was found in a Dover HDB flat.
Despite these recent cases, Singapore remains one of the world’s safest countries, with murder rates significantly lower than the global average.
Safety Tips for the Community
While such incidents are rare, here are some tips to stay vigilant:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Report suspicious behavior promptly.
- Know emergency numbers: Call 999 for police assistance in emergencies.
- Seek safety: If danger arises, move to a secure location and notify authorities.
Conclusion
The Hougang knife attack serves as a grim reminder of the unpredictability of violence, even in a safe society like Singapore. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss of a life and hopes for justice and healing for all affected.
Stay updated on this case and other news affecting the Hougang area.
