Yakult delivery woman dies after assault in Sengkang; suspect faces multiple charges

A 70-year-old Yakult delivery woman died on 6 November 2024 after being assaulted on 29 October at Block 272B Sengkang Central.

Her death, first reported by Mothership and corroborated by a private message from a family member shared online, has deeply affected her community.

Incident Details

The assault occurred around 9pm on the ninth floor of the block, where the woman was reportedly attacked by a man attempting to steal her phone.

In a private message shared online in the early hours of 30 October, a family member revealed she had been bleeding from the head but was unaware of the severity of her injuries.

Despite her condition, the victim tried to contact her next customer to ensure their delivery was handled, according to the message.

Passersby, noticing her bloodied shirt and swollen forehead, called the police and ambulance.

She was rushed to Sengkang General Hospital, where a brain scan revealed her condition was critical. She entered a deep coma and succumbed to her injuries a week later, on 6 November.

Her family made the difficult decision to remove life support after her condition worsened.

Photo of the victim after the assault and in the hospital (Photo: Mothership/victim’s family)

Suspect and Charges

According to charge sheets, 30-year-old Lim Chuan Xun was charged with voluntarily causing grievous hurt on 31 October.

On 15 November, five additional charges were filed against him:

• Two charges under the Protection from Harassment Act (POHA), including one for allegedly hurling vulgarities at the victim while on the ninth floor.
• One charge of affray.
• One charge of committing a rash act endangering the life of others.
• One charge of refusing to sign a recorded statement.

The latter four charges are unrelated to the assault and pertain to offences allegedly committed in the vicinity of Block 272B since May 2023.

Lim allegedly punched the victim in an attempt to snatch her phone. He also reportedly hurled vulgarities at her during the incident. Other charges relate to separate offences in the same area since May 2023.

If convicted of voluntarily causing grievous hurt, Lim could face up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or caning.

Community and Family’s Grief

The victim was a well-known figure in her neighbourhood, delivering Yakult for 33 years while raising three children alone after her husband’s death in 1987.

A family member said, “We’ve lost our loved one to a ruthless assault. We hope justice is served and that such incidents won’t happen again, especially to neighbourhood delivery personnel.”

A HardwareZone commenter shared a heartfelt tribute: “This auntie has seen our daughter grow from a baby to now a Primary 1 student. She always kept the flavour my daughter likes. Every Tuesday around 8pm, our doorbell rang, and my daughter would rush to greet her. She’s the first person my daughter learned how to count change with. She was like family to us.”

Investigation and Trial

A post-mortem is underway, with authorities continuing their investigation. During a 15 November court hearing, Lim reportedly denied responsibility, according to a family member, saying, “It’s just a punch.”

The case is scheduled for its next hearing on 22 November.

The victim was cremated on 10 November. She is remembered as a kind and inspiring individual whose life embodied resilience and dedication, leaving an indelible mark on her community.