An 18-year-old teenager was charged in court on Thursday (6 June) in connection with a motorcycle chase along the Seletar Expressway (SLE) that resulted in the death of a Land Transport Authority (LTA) officer.
The teenager’s first reported offense was the consumption of methamphetamine on August 7, 2023. Due to the age at the time of the incident, teen cannot be identified under the Children and Young Persons Act.
He was charged with six offenses, including traffic violations, drug possession, and weapon possession, with five of them reportedly occurring on June 4. The teenager was reportedly in possession of a Samurai sword at Block 502A Woodlands Drive 14 on Tuesday.
According to CNA, when questioned if he had anything to say, the teenager stated, “I gambled my life as much as he gambled his. So the death … I may be one of the contributing factors to the death, but I am not to be blamed.”
He was unrepresented in court, an audible gasp emanated from the onlookers at his mention of those words, ST reported.
The incidents reportedly occurred on June 4th, with one charge relating to the teen allegedly having a Samurai sword at Block 502A Woodlands Drive 14.
OFFENCES :
- Consuming methamphetamine on Aug 7, 2023
- Possessing a Samurai sword at Block 502A Woodlands Drive 14 on Jun 4, 2024
- Riding a motorcycle along the SLE without a driving licence or insurance on Jun 4, 2024
- Failing to stop when ordered to do so by LTA officer Mr Zdulfika Ahakasah on Jun 4, 2024
- Dangerous driving on Jun 4, 2024
- Absconding from authorities in October 2023
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He was accused of riding a motorcycle on the SLE without a driving license or insurance and failing to stop when ordered to do so by the LTA officer, Mr Zdulfika Ahakasah. The teenager allegedly engaged in dangerous driving by cutting across lanes on the expressway to evade the officer, which eventually led to the fatal accident.
The officer was involved in an accident with two lorries and a van during the chase and later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The court proceedings were conducted via video-link from the teenager’s place of remand, and a woman in the public gallery was visibly distraught throughout the hearing.
The teenager’s first reported offense was for using methamphetamine on August 7, 2023, according to CNA report.
The prosecution requested a two-week adjournment to conduct further investigations into potential additional charges related to drug, traffic, and cheating offenses.
They also argued against granting bail to the teenager, citing his history of evading authorities and the seriousness of the charges, particularly the role his actions played in causing the officer’s death.
The prosecutor mentioned that the accused had violated the police gazette regulations enforced by the CNB (Central Narcotics Bureau). Accused fled in October 2023 just before being scheduled to be sent to a community rehabilitation center.
Prosecutor added : “In addition to that, it is also because of the gravity of the offence, your honour. The charge of dangerous driving has caused the death of the pursuing officer.”
LTA OFFICER HAD PLANNED TO GET MARRIED
Zdulfika Ahakasah, a Land Transport Authority (LTA) enforcement officer, who passed away during a chase on the Seletar Expressway (SLE) on Jun. 4. He was only 26 years old and was scheduled to marry his fiancée in July.
Zdulfika’s family, including his parents and devastated fiancée, are in shock and mourning his sudden and untimely death. Described as a happy and cheerful person who never got angry, Zdulfika had completed all his wedding preparations and was looking forward to starting his new life with his partner.
The teenager was ultimately not granted bail and will remain in custody until his next court appearance in two weeks.
Images via Facebook
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