Teen Faces Jail and Caning for Role in LTA Officer's Tragic Death Along SLE

A 19-year-old boy was sentenced to two years and three months in jail, six strokes of the cane, and a five-year driving ban for his involvement in a motorcycle chase that led to the death of an LTA officer, Zdulfika Ahakasah.

The incident occurred on June 4, 2024, along the Seletar Expressway. The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age at the time of one of his charges, pleaded guilty to six offences, including dangerous driving, riding without a valid license, drug possession and consumption, possessing a scheduled weapon, and unlawfully disclosing his SingPass credentials.

Events Leading to the Chase

The fatal incident began when Mr. Zdulfika spotted the teen riding a motorcycle with no side mirrors and a tinted visor on his helmet. The motorcycle, which belonged to the teen’s cousin, was given to him for repair but was being used without permission.

Recognizing the officer’s uniform and aware of his outstanding arrest warrant for absconding from rehabilitation in October 2023, the teen accelerated in an attempt to evade capture. During the chase, he dangerously cut across lanes and over a chevron marking.

Mr. Zdulfika pursued the teen but tragically lost control of his bike and crashed into the road divider. He was flung off his motorcycle and succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Court Proceedings and Prosecution’s Stance

Prosecutors described the teen as a persistent offender who had shown no remorse for his actions. They highlighted his failure to stop or call for help after the officer’s crash, instead focusing on his own escape.

When first charged in court on June 6, 2024, the teen made a controversial statement, saying: “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.”

The prosecution sought a sentence of two years and three-and-a-half months to two years and five-and-a-half months, along with caning and a driving ban, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes.

Defence’s Argument for Rehabilitation

The defence lawyer argued that the teen had reflected deeply during his seven months in remand and was now “very remorseful.” The lawyer urged the court to consider the teen’s potential for rehabilitation, citing strong family support. He requested a sentence that would not permanently crush a young person’s future.

Court's Sentencing

The court ultimately sentenced the teen to two years and three months in jail, six strokes of the cane, and a five-year driving ban, factoring in the severity of the offences and the need for accountability.

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