Cops probe charity supported by royals

Refuge 'unlawfully kicked out' suicide-bid domestic abuse victim

- SASKIA ROWLANDS

A WOMEN'S refuge backed by members of the Royal Family is being probed by police after it was accused of unlawfully kicking out a resident just days after she tried to kill herself.

Detectives are investigating the Hestia charity, which houses vulnerable women fleeing domestic violence endorsed by Princess Eugenie and Queen Camilla.

Client Lindiwe Maqhubela, who fled an abusive partner during the pandemic, claims she was given an eviction notice within hours of being released from hospital after trying to end her life.

She also alleges she suffered months of bullying and neglect.

Officers are looking into claims that Hestia's South London branch unlawfully evicted Lindiwe.

Covered by criminal law and civil legislation, evictions must be carried out within a strict.

Lindiwe said: "I was traumatised, I was an anxious and traumat distraught as I had just come out of hospital but they put the eviction letter framework under my door giving me just 48 hours to leave.