Indonesian maid sentenced to life for killing Singapore employer

An Indonesian domestic worker, 53‑year‑old Sumiyati, was convicted of murdering her 73‑year‑old employer in a Bisham apartment in Singapore. The court heard that after being questioned about the theft of her employer’s wife's jewellery, Sumiyati smothered the elderly man, leading to his death. During sentencing on 29 July 2024, the judge found her guilty of murder and imposed a life‑sentence.

The trial revealed that Sumiyati had repeatedly stolen gold rings, a bracelet and earrings from her employer’s wife between 12 and 21 April 2022 and pawned the items. In mitigation, her lawyer claimed she was influenced by black‑magic hypnosis, but Sumiyati affirmed through her counsel that the killing was her own act. The case has shocked Singaporean public opinion over the dangers of misplaced leniency toward repeat offenders.