SINGAPORE – In a chilling incident that has left the community reeling, a man has been charged with the murder of a Vietnamese woman following a brutal knife attack in Hougang on December 10.

This tragic episode not only claimed the life of 34-year-old Dao Thi Hong but also resulted in injuries to another individual.

The accused, Du Zaixing, a Chinese national aged 42, appeared in court via video link on December 12 to face the serious charge against him. If convicted, he could face the ultimate punishment—the death penalty. Currently held in remand, Du may be returned to the scene of the crime for further investigations, a procedure often utilized in murder cases to gather more evidence and insights.

Incident Details

The attack took place at approximately 11:06 AM at the Quan Long Nippon Paint hardware store, conveniently located near the Kovan Market and Food Centre. Witnesses reported hearing disturbing screams moments before the assault and saw a man wielding a knife. Tragically, Ms. Hong was found with severe injuries, particularly multiple cuts to her back, after the attack. A courageous co-worker, who attempted to intervene during the incident, also sustained injuries.

Both the victim and the injured co-worker were rushed to the hospital, while Du was taken into custody by police officers. Despite medical efforts, Ms. Hong succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, marking a devastating loss for her family and friends.

Community Reaction

In a heart-wrenching scene, friends of Ms. Hong gathered at a makeshift altar behind the shop on December 11 to honor her memory, lighting candles and burning joss sticks in a display of grief and solidarity. The victim's sister, having traveled from Vietnam, arrived at the altar later that evening. Overwhelmed by the loss, she was supported by friends as she paid her respects before departing after just ten minutes.

Broader Context

This incident marks the 10th murder or alleged murder case reported in Singapore for the year 2024, with the Hougang case being the third such occurrence within a mere two weeks. Just days prior, on November 30, a 66-year-old man was charged with murdering a 67-year-old woman in her Ang Mo Kio Housing Board flat. Additionally, on December 2, authorities discovered the body of a 30-year-old woman inside an HDB flat in Dover, prompting a call for international assistance to trace a suspect linked to her tragic demise.

As the community mourns the loss of Ms. Hong, questions about safety and prevention of such heinous acts remain at the forefront of public concern. Will there be more measures implemented to protect the vulnerable? Stay tuned for updates as the legal proceedings unfold and the investigation continues.