Report: Zam Zam owner jailed over 2015 slash attack on restaurant's rival

TODAY reported that Zackeer Abbass Khan, 49, was given six years’ jail and six strokes of the cane for masterminding the attack.

His ex-friend and secret society member, 50-year-old Anwer Ambiya Kadir Maideen, was given a five-and-a-half-year jail sentence but was spared caning as under the law, those aged above 50 cannot be caned.

Both men who remained out on bail in the meantime, were found guilty in March of conspiring to cause grievous hurt to Victory Restaurant supervisor, Liakath Ali Mohamed Ibrahim.

Quoting Zackeer’s lawyer Sabrinder Singh, the report said that his client will be appealing against District Judge Mathew Joseph’s decision, while Anwer will begin serving his sentence on July 6.

According to the report, the judge had noted during the conviction that Zam Zam and Victory, located next to each other along North Bridge Road in the Bugis area, have been embroiled in an almost century-long rivalry.

Zackeer and Liakath were business partners but fell out over a failed business venture, which ended with Zackeer being sued and “cheated” of S$80,000 in sales proceeds, the prosecution was quoted as saying.

The online report said Liakath, who had worked at Zam Zam since 1985, left in 2014 to join Victory Restaurant.

Zackeer then developed a grudge against his former friend.

Both restaurants persistently touted for patrons, resulting in rising tensions between management and staff of both establishments, District Judge Joseph reportedly said.