SINGAPORE — In a harrowing incident that occurred in March 2022, a 64-year-old man, Ng Eng Kui, was shot dead by police while brandishing a kitchen knife at his home. The Corona’s inquiry on 4 November 2024 revealed that the police officer acted appropriately under the circumstances.
Incident Overview
On 23 March 2022, the Singapore Police Force was alerted to reports of Ng brandishing a knife in public. Witnesses described him shouting incoherently and behaving aggressively. Video footage showed him confronting a passerby and wandering around a public housing estate.
Police Response
Four police officers arrived at his flat at Block 33 Bendemeer Road around 4.18 pm. Upon entry, they found Ng with the knife in hand and attempted to subdue him with Tasers. However, all three Taser shots failed to incapacitate him, prompting one officer to discharge his firearm.
Timeline of Events
- 3.30 pm: Ng is seen walking around with a knife.
- 4.18 pm: Police arrive at Ng’s unit.
- 4.19 pm: First Taser deployed, but ineffective.
- 4.19 pm: Officer shoots Ng in response to his aggressive approach.
- 5.13 pm: Ng pronounced dead at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Coroner’s Findings
District Judge Kamala Ponnampalam ruled Ng’s death as an “unfortunate misadventure.” She confirmed that the officers acted under imminent danger, with Ng refusing to comply. A toxicology report revealed the presence of Class A drugs in his system, including methamphetamine.
Statements from Authorities
Deputy Superintendent (DSP) Desmond Ng, the investigating officer, noted that Ng had a history of substance abuse and was previously diagnosed with psychotic disorders related to drug use. The Coroner concluded that the officer had not erred in shooting Ng, given the circumstances and the threat posed.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
A gag order was enforced to protect the identities of the police officers involved in the incident to prevent potential harassment. This is not an uncommon practice in sensitive cases involving law enforcement officers.
As the investigation continues, the full findings of the coroner’s case will be made available later. However, initial inquiries suggest the need for stringent responses in situations where public safety is at risk due to aggressive individuals.