SINGAPORE: Two men have been charged with murder after they were involved in a fight in Chin Swee Road that left a 56-year-old man dead.
Tan Boon Hui, 58, and Poh Choon Kiat, 59, are both accused of killing a man after a fight on the 17th floor of Block 51 Chin Swee Road between 1am and 3am on Nov 8.
The duo were charged via video link on Nov 9.
Tan, who was warded at Changi General Hospital, appeared on camera while lying in bed wearing a neck brace.
The prosecution requested a one-week remand to aid in the investigation and facilitate his return to the scene.
Tan, who spoke in Mandarin, told the court through an interpreter that his leg was swollen and that he is unable to move around.
The judge told him that as he is in hospital, he can receive treatment from the doctors there.
Poh appeared on camera dressed in a red polo T-shirt and was being held in a different location.
He said he had nothing to say after his charge was read out.
The police said on Nov 8 they received a call for assistance at the block at around 3.10am.
When they arrived, the victim was found lying injured outside his flat on the 17th floor. He was unconscious when he was taken to Singapore General Hospital where he later died.
Three men, including Tan and Poh, were arrested.
Poh is alleged to have also committed drug offences which will be referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau.
The third man, who is a friend of the victim, has not been charged. He is assisting with investigations after being arrested for affray.
The police said the victim was stabbed and two knives have been recovered and seized.
Knife crime has been on the rise, with 75 incidents reported in the first half of 2025, up from 59 in the same period in 2024.
There were 131 incidents for the whole of 2024.
On Sept 24, a woman died after a violent knife attack in Yishun, allegedly over a noise dispute between neighbours. A man was charged with murder over the incident.
Tan and Poh’s cases are expected to be heard again on Nov 14.
If convicted of murder, they face the death penalty. - The Straits Times/ANN
