Messages claiming massive "gang war" happening in S'pore is fake, police clarifies

Sounds rather dubious.

Nyi Nyi Thet | Sulaiman Daud | August 24, 2019, 11:42 AM

You might have received a few messages regarding a gang war supposedly brewing in Singapore.

The message basically warns of gang activities between Omega and Salakau, two prominent gangs in Singapore.

The messages usually warn of activities within the north side of Singapore, specifically Yishun, Sembawang, and other varying areas.

Image from Reddit/Singapore

Needless to say, something can still be racist, even if you say "it might seem odd or racist at first".

Although some really went overboard with the number of affected areas.

And the rape accusations were repeated in other messages.

Photo from a Mothership contributor.

There was even a photo circulated of someone allegedly injured as a result of this attack.

We've censored the image, but basically it's a man who has a gaping wound on his chin, with a text message on the side warning against the aforementioned gang violence.

That's "Purge" level mayhem across the whole island.

Fake

And as it turns out, like the movie series, these WhatsApp scenarios are just as poorly thought out and fictional.

In fact the claims got so outlandish that another separate message began circulating purportedly from a member of a gang debunking the crazy theories going around WhatsApp.

The Police have also come out to debunk this.

"The Police are aware of text messages and videos that have been circulating purportedly about fights between various gangs in different parts of Singapore and advising the public to stay away to remain safe. Some of the text messages even alleged that gang members would beat up those who refuse to join their gang.

The Police would like to assure members of the public that the information being spread through these text messages and videos is false. The Police have verified that none of the alleged incidents had occurred.

Members of the public are advised not to spread these untruths which cause unnecessary public alarm.

The Police will not hesitate to take action against any person responsible for the deliberate generation and spread of such untruths which can create fear and alarm to the public.

Anyone with information on the person(s) who had generated and spread this false information should call the Police Hotline at 1800-255-0000 or submit information online via www.police.gov.sg/iwitness. All information will be kept strictly confidential.

Under Section 4(2) of the Protection from Harassment Act, anyone found guilty of causing harassment, alarm or distress shall be liable to a fine not exceeding $5,000. Under Section 147 of the Penal Code, Chapter 224, anyone convicted for the offence of rioting shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to caning.

Police investigations are ongoing."

Images from WhatsApp circulation