17-year-old S'pore PR allegedly raped 53-year-old woman at knifepoint after robbing her in Yishun flat

A 17-year-old Singaporean permanent resident (PR) has been charged for allegedly raping a woman, 53, whom he held at knifepoint with a chopper. 

Mendel See and two other accomplices — Benjamin Yong, 22, and Chow Chia Suan, 23 — had reportedly robbed the victim in a Yishun flat prior to the alleged rape on Oct 2, 2017, taking $700 worth of items and money.  The items taken include two Samsung phones, cigarettes and about $100 in cash.

The victim cannot be named due to a gag order by the court. 

According to Shin Min Daily News, the victim was believed to have gone to the Yishun flat to look for a friend.

After the alleged robbery, See reportedly held the victim’s neck to a chopper and forced himself on her. He also allegedly strangled her, and the victim was hurt in the process. 

It is still unclear how the three managed to gain access to the Yishun flat. 

The court heard that See, Yong and Chow, armed with choppers, also allegedly robbed an apartment on Canberra Drive in September 2017. The victim was Guptha Sneha, 24.

The trio reportedly took a mobile phone and cash from the victim, as well as money in the apartment amounting to $670, reports The Straits Times. 

As the alleged rape happened while See was above 16 years old, he can be sentenced as an adult. 

However, See is still eligible for reformative training as he is not yet 21 years old.

In addition to the armed robbery charges, Yong also faces an unrelated drug charge. He was previously found with utensils intended for drug consumption in his possession. 

If convicted of armed robbery, the three face up to 14 years in jail and at least 12 strokes of the cane. However, Chow cannot be caned as she is a woman. 

See faces a minimum jail sentence of five years and 12 strokes of the cane for causing hurt in a robbery. The maximum jail term is 20 years. 

For the offence of rape with causing hurt or imposing a death threat on the victim, See faces 20 years in jail and 12 strokes of the cane.