Indonesian maid charged for murder of employer, 77

SINGAPORE - A 26-year-old Indonesian domestic helper has been charged for the murder of her 77-year-old employer.

Madam Aandi Abdul Rahman Rasheeda Begam, who was wheelchair-bound, was murdered in her Serangoon North flat on Tuesday morning, Lianhe Wanbao reported.

The alleged murder occurred between 12:05am and 11:33am, the Chinese daily said.

Madam Aandi's family had thought that her death was due to natural causes. However, police classified the case as murder after investigations were carried out.

Lianhe Wanbao reported on Saturday that Madam Aandi was found to have died from asphyxiation.

The family's maid, known as Yati, faces the death penalty if convicted of murder. She will face court on January 24.

Neighbours told reporters that the victim lived with her son, his wife and their 2 sons and daughter. They last saw Yati helping out with Madam Aandi's funeral arrangements.

According to neighbours, the victim and her family kept to themselves and little was known about them.

ljessica@sph.com.sg