A man has been charged in connection with the theft of an 86-year-old man’s bank card and pension money in Suva, with his court appearance scheduled for today. Police have reported that the accused faces one count of theft stemming from an investigation into the incident involving Malakai Kauwale, whose card and pension were stolen at an ATM.
This case has sparked growing concern from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection, highlighting a troubling rise in incidents of elder abuse. Minister Sashi Kiran stressed the importance of safeguarding our senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, pointing out that such crimes underscore a societal failure in protecting our vulnerable populations.
Kiran noted that this is not an isolated case, as the Ministry is currently investigating another serious matter involving the alleged embezzlement of funds from a person suffering from stroke-related mobility challenges and vision impairment. The Minister mentioned that discussions around the exploitation of elder pension schemes frequently arise during community engagements.
Statistics reveal a disturbing trend, with nearly 2,000 reports of crimes against senior citizens documented in 2024, a significant 62 percent of which involved property theft, often perpetrated by individuals known to the victims. This highlights an urgent need for increased protection and vigilance.
To combat these issues, Kiran urged seniors to be cautious with their bank cards and PINs, acknowledging that many elderly individuals might write down their PINs or share them to receive assistance with transactions. She recommended that families support elderly relatives in managing their banking needs and suggested utilizing the Ministry’s third-party withdrawal arrangements. This system allows trusted nominees to collect benefits under specific safeguards, ensuring financial security for vulnerable individuals.
The Ministry encourages families to visit Social Welfare offices to establish these safer arrangements, which are subject to monitoring to prevent misuse. This proactive approach aims to build a safer environment for seniors, promoting not just their financial security but their overall dignity and well-being within the community.