Lavender Hill's 'Mother Teresa,' pleads for police action against burglaries
Charmaine Josephs, known as the “Mother Teresa” of Lavender Hill, has transformed her life over the past 20 years.
Image: supplied
A woman known as the “Mother Teresa” of Lavender Hill for feeding those in need is urging police to reopen her case docket after her home was repeatedly burgled, raising serious safety concerns.
Charmaine Josephs is well-known in her community for feeding children and adults and even providing foster care.
More than twenty years ago, Joseph turned her life around after being imprisoned for drug related crimes and began serving God and is part of missionary work locally and abroad.
Her work saw her partner with several organizations and tourists, such as those from Germany who have been constantly donating towards her feeding scheme and excursions she provides for the youth including her Easter egg drive.
But since January, Joseph who recently moved from one courtyard to another, due to health reasons as authorised by the City, has been plagued by burglaries which had left her unsafe.
She said police have since closed the docket while a secondary statement is to be provided by the German national who has been funding Joseph.
The funds donated by the tourist and others including several rings were part of the loot taken by the thief who is allegedly known to Josephs.
She said the thief returned this week and damaged part of her carport.
“I do not feel safe anymore, I have spoken with this child’s parents but it seems no one wants to help me,:” she said.
“The first time he broke in here was during the holidays when we took the children out for the day and he came through the bathroom window.
“That day he took money which the German had withdrawn which was meant for someone else.
“He took all my rings which had sentimental value that he sold off.
“Now the detective says that we do not have enough evidence and this is the same person whom I have helped even with his child’s nappies and birthday.
“I am an elderly person working in the community and even when I am in church he breaks in here.”
Police spokesperson, Captain FC Van Wyk confirmed that the case was closed provisionally for it to proceed once there was more evidence.
“The docket in question has been provisionally withdrawn due to outstanding investigation. As soon as the investigation is concluded, the case has to be placed back on the court roll for finalization. Investigations continue.”