Police in Suva have apprehended a suspect connected to the theft of an elderly man’s bank card and pension funds, an incident that has generated significant concern across social media platforms. Authorities from the Central Division’s Criminal Investigations Department confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspect was found in possession of items belonging to the victim.
The suspect is currently being held at the Totogo Police Station as investigators gather witness statements to piece together the details surrounding the crime. The case gained attention after a Good Samaritan, Veniana Dau, shared her experience of assisting the elderly man, who was found sitting nervously near a Westpac ATM outside MaxValue in Suva.
Dau recounted how the man had entrusted his ATM card to a stranger who offered to help him withdraw funds. Unfortunately, the stranger returned, claiming that only $20 remained in the account and handed back a different card from the one taken. When another bystander attempted to check the transaction history, the PIN did not work, raising suspicions that the man’s card had been swapped.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Dau emphasized that the elderly should be safeguarded, not exploited. Following her report, police took immediate action, launching an investigation that ultimately led to the suspect’s arrest.
Authorities are urging the public, particularly elderly individuals, to avoid sharing their bank cards or PIN numbers with strangers. They encourage seeking help from trusted family members, bank staff, or police if assistance is needed. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable members of the community.