A 57-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attacking a debt collector with a golf club and spitting at him outside his flat at Simei Street 1.
The incident happened on Thursday afternoon, July 10, as reported by Shin Min Daily News. Three staff from the debt collection company SG Collectors had gone to the uncle’s HDB unit to collect a $12,412.20 debt owed to their client, a supplier. The debtor is said to operate a hawker stall.
According to 39-year-old debt collector Lin Wen Rong (transliteration), they have been trying to recover the amount since September last year, visiting the uncle’s home and stall two to four times a month.
Uncle swung golf club at debt collectors
On the day of the incident, a heated argument broke out after the uncle opened the door. He allegedly took a wooden stick and even spat at one of the staff members.
“He later grabbed a golf club and tried to jab it through the gate at us,” Lin said.
“We decided to leave, but he suddenly opened the door and swung the golf club at me, hitting my arm.”
Afraid of being hit again, Lin tried to restrain the uncle. In the chaos, one colleague shut the gate while Lin called the police. He was sent to the hospital, received one stitch for a bleeding arm injury, and was given three days of medical leave. His colleague, 36, suffered minor scrapes but didn’t seek treatment.
Police confirmed that two men aged 36 and 39 sustained minor injuries but declined hospitalisation. The 57-year-old man was arrested for voluntarily causing hurt with a dangerous weapon. Investigations are ongoing.
Video Shows Verbal Clash Before Attack
SG Collectors’ General Manager Kelvin Ho said a video taken during the incident showed the uncle hitting the metal gate and shouting at staff.
One of the collectors shouted, “You dare to hit me?” and even kicked the door. This sparked a further escalation, with the uncle returning with a wooden stick.
Ho admitted the staff may have reacted emotionally and promised to review internal procedures. “Our collectors must stay calm and avoid retaliation,” he said. “We’ll strengthen professionalism and remind staff to prioritise their own safety.”
First Time Meeting Ends in Violence
Lin shared that this was the first time they actually met the uncle in person, despite trying to contact him for 10 months.
“He’s always missing when we go to his stall or house. First time we meet him, he hits us.”
He added that the uncle had a bad attitude and often used vulgar language. Ho said their client is a female business owner and that the company will now pursue compensation for Lin’s medical bills, broken phone screen, and damaged glasses.
They are determined to take legal action if necessary.
