(1)If it is proved that an accused has absented himself or herself ²⁰²¹so that there is no immediate prospect of arresting him,²⁰²¹him or her,²⁰²¹ the court competent to try the accused may, in his²⁰²¹the accused’s²⁰²¹ 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 her²⁰²¹ at the committal hearing or ²⁰¹⁸trial for the relevant offence, if the deponent is dead or incapable of giving evidence or his²⁰²¹the deponent’s²⁰²¹ 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.