Kai Tak murder suspect worked 3 years with half-day off weekly in 150 sq ft flat
A 52-year-old Indonesian domestic helper arrested over the death of a 93-year-old woman in Kai Tak had worked for three years with only half a day off weekly, in a cramped 150 sq ft flat. Police suspect daily assaults in the two weeks before the death.
A 52-year-old Indonesian domestic helper arrested on suspicion of murder in the Kai Tak case of a 93-year-old woman has been found to have worked for three years with only half a day off per week, on irregular days, according to sources.
The woman died after suffering multiple bruises. Police said the flat, about 150 square feet, had no separate bedroom, only a living room, toilet and kitchen. A neighbour described the unit as tightly packed with a bunk bed, a sofa and piles of clothing, indicating cramped living conditions for the pair.
Under the Standard Employment Contract, foreign domestic helpers are entitled to at least one rest day every seven days. Employers must not force helpers to work on rest days; if required to work, another rest day must be arranged within 30 days, with notice given within 48 hours. However, it is understood that employers and helpers can agree to substitute rest days with extra pay, a common practice.
The helper remains in police custody. Police believe the alleged assault may have stemmed from friction over long-term caregiving or strained relations caused by fatigue. Initial investigations suggested the woman had also been assaulted on previous occasions, with incidents reportedly occurring daily over the preceding two weeks.