A SINGAPORE Armed Forces (SAF) recruit was beaten up in camp last month and is still warded in hospital with head injuries.
The 19-year-old's mother told The Straits Times he had to be warded in the intensive care unit of Changi General Hospital for nine days before being moved to a general ward about a week ago.
The 45-year-old housewife, who has four children, said her oldest son suffered internal bleeding in the head.
Her son enlisted in June 2008 and was a storeman. The incident happened barely six months into his service.
According to her, the incident happened last December in an office within the camp. Lianhe Wanbao reports that he was attacked by a few camp mates with poles.
He vomited violently when he returned to his bunk and was sent to hospital.
His mother told Wanbao, "He suffered internal bleeding in his head and stayed in ICU for nine days before being moved to a general ward just a week ago."
He has since regained consciousness but his body is still weak on the left side due to his injuries.
His mother said that she was extremely anxious when she first heard the news that her son was in hospital.
"I prayed for him everyday, and couldn't sleep or eat." She said, adding that she was happy he was saved from the bring of death.
The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is now investigating the incident.
Colonel Darius Lim, director of public affairs, said: "The SAF does not condone any form of unruly behaviour by its servicemen. It takes a serious view of this incident."
The offenders can be dealt with under military law or in civilian courts.
Under military law, serious offenders may be court-martialled, and the penalties include detention, reprimands and fines.
Under the Penal Code, the maximum punishment for endangering a person's life by causing grievous hurt to him is a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine or caning.
MINDEF is providing assistance to the army recruit who was attacked and his family.
