A man has been charged in connection with the theft of an 86-year-old man’s bank card and pension funds in Suva, and is scheduled to appear in court today. The police report indicates that the accused faces one count of theft following an investigation into the incident involving Malakai Kauwale, whose card and pension were taken during an ATM visit.
This alarming case has raised concerns from the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection about a troubling increase in incidents of elder abuse. Minister Sashi Kiran emphasized the crucial need to protect senior citizens and individuals with disabilities, indicating that such crimes point to a broader societal failure to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
Kiran noted that this incident is not an isolated occurrence; the Ministry is investigating another serious case involving alleged embezzlement from a person facing mobility challenges and vision impairment due to a stroke. She highlighted that discussions about the exploitation of elder pension schemes are common during community engagements, underlining the prevalence of such issues.
Recent statistics illustrate a worrisome trend, with nearly 2,000 reports of crimes against seniors documented in 2024. A significant 62 percent of these cases involved property theft, often committed by individuals familiar to the victims. This reality underscores the urgent necessity for enhanced protection and community vigilance.
To address these issues, Minister Kiran advised seniors to exercise caution with their bank cards and PINs, recognizing that many elderly individuals may write down their PINs or share them with others to seek help with transactions. She recommended that families support their elderly relatives in managing banking needs, suggesting the use of the Ministry’s third-party withdrawal arrangements. This system permits trusted nominees to withdraw benefits under specific safeguards, ensuring vulnerable individuals’ financial security.
The Ministry urges families to visit Social Welfare offices to set up these protective measures, which are monitored to prevent misuse. This proactive strategy aims to foster a safer environment for seniors, enhancing their financial security while promoting their dignity and well-being within the community.