Police in Suva have arrested a suspect linked to the theft of an elderly man’s bank card and pension funds, sparking widespread concern on social media. The Central Division’s Criminal Investigations Department confirmed the arrest, revealing that the suspect was found with items belonging to the victim.
Currently held at the Totogo Police Station, the suspect’s arrest comes as investigators continue to collect witness statements to clarify the details surrounding the crime. The incident gained traction after a local Good Samaritan, Veniana Dau, shared her account of helping the elderly man, who was discovered anxiously waiting by a Westpac ATM outside MaxValue.
Dau detailed how the elderly man had entrusted his ATM card to a stranger who offered assistance in withdrawing cash. Unfortunately, the stranger returned with claims that only $20 remained in the account and handed back a different card. When another onlooker attempted to verify the transaction history, they found that the PIN did not work, raising suspicions that the man’s card had been swapped.
Dau described the experience as heartbreaking and called for greater protection of the elderly, who should not be taken advantage of. After her report, police responded promptly, initiating an investigation that culminated in the suspect’s capture.
Authorities are urging the public, especially older adults, to refrain from sharing their bank cards or PINs with unfamiliar individuals. They recommend seeking help only from trusted family members, bank personnel, or police when assistance is required. This troubling incident serves as an important reminder of the need for vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable members of the community, highlighting the collective responsibility to protect those in need.