19-7-2024 (SINGAPORE) The 18-year-old motorcyclist involved in a tragic pursuit that led to the death of a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer has been slapped with a seventh charge, further complicating his legal predicament. The latest allegation, presented in court on 18 July, accuses the youth of compromising his Singpass account security by sharing its details with an unidentified individual via the messaging platform Telegram in 2023.
According to court documents, the teenager was allegedly enticed by the promise of a £300 loan in exchange for his Singpass information. However, it remains unclear whether the young man ever received the promised funds. This new charge adds to an already extensive list of accusations against him, which includes multiple traffic violations, possession of a weapon, and drug consumption.
The identity of the accused remains protected under the Children and Young Persons Act, as he was only 17 when he allegedly consumed methamphetamine on 7 August 2023. This legal protection underscores the complexities surrounding cases involving young offenders and the delicate balance between accountability and rehabilitation.
The fatal incident that brought the teenager into the spotlight occurred on 4 June when LTA officer Zdulfika Ahakasah attempted to flag down the youth on the Seletar Expressway. Instead of complying, the teen reportedly executed a dangerous manoeuvre, cutting across two lanes and a divider before swerving into the path of a lorry. Officer Ahakasah gave chase but tragically lost control of his motorcycle, colliding with a road divider. He later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
During a court appearance two days after the incident, the accused made a controversial statement, saying, “I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. The death, I may be one of the contributing factors for the death, but I am not to be blamed.” This remark has raised eyebrows and could potentially impact the court’s perception of the defendant’s attitude towards the gravity of the situation.
In the most recent court session, the teen requested a bail review, citing concern for his mother, who he claimed was alone at home. However, the prosecution opposed bail, noting that the accused had previously failed to report to the Central Narcotics Bureau while out on bail. The judge has scheduled a bail review for 22 July, allowing both sides to present their arguments.
