A domestic worker allegedly locked herself in a flat with a knife after her suspected theft came to light. She was arrested after a three-hour stand-off with police.
The incident took place at 7.16pm on Thursday (12 November) at Block 731 Clementi West Street 2.
A Shin Min Daily News reporter who received a tip-off at about 8pm on Thursday went to the scene and saw four police cars and two fire engines parked below the block, with several police officers stationed outside the flat.
At about 9pm, a person covered entirely with towels was seen being taken into an ambulance. Police officers then continued taking statements inside the flat, a process that was still ongoing at 10pm. Officers were also seen returning shields to their vehicles during this time.
A neighbour who declined to be named said she saw police officers arriving at the flat at about 5pm and also heard children crying.
To her knowledge, a couple and their two primary school-aged children live in the flat. But after the husband suffered a stroke about two years ago, the wife came home less often and hired a domestic worker to care for him.
She said she heard the husband repeatedly shouting angrily during the incident on Thursday, but did not know what it was about. At one point, she also saw police officers carrying shields arriving at the flat.
According to accounts at the scene, the domestic worker had argued with people in the flat after being suspected of theft. She then locked herself inside with a knife, prompting a large police response involving officers carrying shields.
In response to queries, the Singapore Police Force confirmed that it had received a report and arrested a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of burglary. Investigations are ongoing.
For the full report, see the 13 November 2026 edition of Shin Min Daily News.
