19-12-2024 (SINGAPORE) A Chinese national charged with murder in a Hougang shopping precinct will undergo psychiatric assessment, a Singapore court heard today.
Du Zaixing, 42, appeared via video link at the hearing concerning the alleged killing of 34-year-old Dao Thi Hong on 10 December. The incident occurred at approximately 11.05am at a ground-floor retail premises in Block 210, Hougang Street 21.
Appearing before the court in a crimson polo shirt, Du followed proceedings through a Mandarin interpreter, maintaining his composure throughout the session.
Following an application by the prosecution, the judge ordered Du to be held at the Complex Medical Centre within Changi Prison for a three-week psychiatric evaluation period. Defence counsel Ms Safia Begum raised no objections to the application.
The case has drawn significant attention in the residential neighbourhood, where the accused was apprehended at the scene. Court documents reveal that Du had previously been granted permission to assist investigators by visiting the crime scene.
During the initial incident, both the deceased and a 26-year-old male sustained stab wounds and were rushed to hospital, where Ms Dao subsequently succumbed to her injuries. Du himself required medical attention for wounds sustained during the episode.
The gravity of the charges cannot be understated, as murder carries the maximum penalty of death under Singapore law. Specific details regarding the manner of Ms Dao’s death were not disclosed in the charge sheets.
The presiding judge scheduled the next court appearance for 9 January 2025. At the request of defence counsel, the court agreed to formally notify Du of his legal representation.
