(1)If it is proved that an accused has absented himself or herself so that there is no immediate prospect of arresting him or her, the court competent to try the accused may, in the accused’s absence, examine any witnesses produced on the prosecution’s behalf and record their depositions.

(2)These depositions may, on the arrest of the accused, be given in evidence against him or her at the trial for the relevant offence, if the deponent is dead or incapable of giving evidence or the deponent’s attendance cannot be procured without unreasonable delay, expense or inconvenience.

(3)If it appears that an offence punishable with death or with imprisonment for life has been committed by some person or persons unknown, a Magistrate’s Court may hold an inquiry and examine any witnesses who can give evidence concerning the offence.

(4)Any deposition so taken under subsection (3) may be given in evidence against any person who is subsequently accused of the offence if the deponent is dead or incapable of giving evidence or is outside Singapore.