An Indonesian maid allegedly beaten by her employer refused to tell doctors how she sustained her injuries before making a long-distance telephone call home to confirm her children were safe, a court heard yesterday.
The District Court has heard employer Leung Yee-kwan, 27, warned Rusmini Gunung, 27, her relatives would be harmed if she spoke out.
Indonesian interpreter Yao Shun-fong told the court she was asked to go to the Prince of Wales Hospital on October 12 last year. 'At first, she did not tell us how her injuries were caused, but said, 'Save my children'. I asked her why and she said. 'I can't tell you, otherwise my family and my children will be harmed',' Ms Yao said.
Ward chief Dr Ng Kwok-wai then asked Ms Yao to help the maid make a long-distance phone call home. Ms Yao said the maid looked 'happy and relieved' after talking to her husband and hearing her children were safe.
Ms Gunung accuses Leung of repeatedly assaulting her between August 28 and October 11. On the final occasion, it is alleged Leung stamped on her nine times, after which Ms Gunung decided to buy medicine in Central and went to Fo Tan KCR station, where she almost collapsed. She testified that the alleged abuse left her with a ruptured liver and broken ribs.
Dr Ng told the court Ms Gunung's injuries could have been life-threatening and said it was unlikely they were self-inflicted. 'Only mental patients would hurt themselves to such an extent,' Dr Ng said, adding Ms Gunung was mentally stable.
