MINDEF Statement on Investigation of SAF Servicemen in Relation to the Death of CFC Dave Lee

Following the conclusion of the Singapore Police Force (SPF)’s investigations, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has directed the SPF to charge Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Captain Tan Baoshu under Section 304A(a) of the Penal Code for causing the death of Corporal First Class (CFC) Dave Lee by a rash act. Anyone who is convicted of an offence under Section 304A(a) of the Penal Code shall be liable for imprisonment of up to five years, or a fine, or both.

The SPF has referred six other SAF servicemen to MINDEF to be investigated for potential breaches of military law. Two of them are Regular servicemen, and four are National Servicemen. To prevent any prejudice arising from parallel proceedings, MINDEF will defer its internal proceedings until after the conclusion of the criminal proceedings against Captain Tan. If MINDEF’s internal investigations find that these six servicemen have committed military offences, they will be liable for punishments under the SAF Act. Punishments could range from a fine to detention and/or reduction in rank as well as administrative penalties.

MINDEF/SAF takes the safety of our servicemen seriously. SAF personnel who conduct unauthorised activities, or who wilfully or negligently fail to comply with training safety regulations, will be severely dealt with and prosecuted under military law by way of Summary Trial or General Court Martial, or under criminal law before the civil courts.