News
Man stabs himself in Clementi: Man, 56, who stepped in to stop self-injury, identified
He was presented with a small yellow star plush toy by PAP MP David Hoe and his team.
August 11, 2026, 01:36 PM
Photos from @davidhoesg/Instagram and ZL/Xiaohongshu.
A 34-year-old man was taken to the hospital after he allegedly stabbed himself in Clementi on the afternoon of Aug. 10.
According to a report by Lianhe Zaobao, the man reportedly ran into a durian stall, grabbed a durian knife from the vendor, and began stabbing himself repeatedly.
The incident attracted the public's attention and a 56-year-old male passer-by intervened by restraining the man from behind, disarming him, and preventing him from causing further harm to himself.
The passer-by was later identified as Osman Sidin in an Instagram post by Jurong East–Bukit Batok GRC MP David Hoe.
Man who intervened was an ex-inmate
According to Hoe, Osman said he stepped in because he was concerned not only for the man, but also for members of the public near by, particularly young children.
"At about 10pm tonight, after my events for the day, I visited Mr Osman to check on him. Thankfully, he is well," Hoe wrote. "But it was what he shared with me that stayed with me."
Hoe revealed that Osman is a former inmate and a member of the Yellow Ribbon Singapore community.
Yellow Ribbon Singapore is a statutory board under the Ministry of Home Affairs that supports inmates and ex-offenders in rebuilding their lives, securing employment, and reintegrating into society.
He said Osman told him he had turned over a new leaf and now simply wanted to live a life centred on doing good.
"There is something powerful in that," Hoe wrote.
He added:
"Second chances matter. Because people can change for the better, and when given that chance, they can go on to care for and make a difference in the lives of others.
That is the Singapore I hope we continue to build: one where we look out for one another, and where everyone has the opportunity to contribute."
Although there was no official award, Hoe said his team presented Osman with a small yellow star plush toy.
"A star because today, he is a shining star to us. And yellow, because it reminds us that second chances can become new beginnings," he wrote.
"People can change for the better. Mr Osman Sidin reminded me of that today."
Details of the incident
The incident first came to light after photos shared on Xiaohongshu showed police cordoning off the area, with bloodstains visible on the ground.
An officer could be seen speaking to several people at the scene.
Additional photos posted on the "SG News Warehouse Sale & Events" Facebook page appeared to show workers cleaning the area after the incident.
In response to Mothership's queries, the police said they received a call for assistance at Block 441B Clementi Avenue 3 at around 12:20pm on Aug. 10.
When the police arrived, officers found a 34-year-old man lying conscious with injuries believed to have been self-inflicted.
Separately, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the man was subsequently conveyed to the hospital and is currently undergoing treatment.
While Osman did not suffer any injuries, he was also conveyed to the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Police investigations are ongoing.
