Faith sustains 86‑year‑old after ATM card swapped by stranger in Suva

At 86 years old, Malakai Kauwale says he is not surviving by his own strength, but by the power and love of God.

That faith was tested this week when the elderly man from Mavana, Yavea, in Vanuabalavu, Lau, was robbed of his pension money after trusting a stranger to help him withdraw cash in Suva City.

Born on April 24, 1939, Mr Kauwale is married to Mellin from Samoa. They have a daughter, Eleni Baleilodoni Kauwale, who currently lives in New Zealand.

“I always say I am not surviving by my own will, but by the power and love of God,” Mr Kauwale said.

What happened

Last Sunday afternoon, Mr Kauwale made plans to travel from Nakasi, where he lived with his in-laws, to Suva to withdraw his social welfare money on Monday.

He did not inform his family that he intended to withdraw money, telling them only that he was travelling to Suva before heading to Delainavesi.

On Monday morning, after breakfast, he took a taxi to the bus stop and travelled by bus to Suva. He described the journey as long and tiring because of his age.

After getting off the bus, Mr Kauwale slowly walked toward the ATM near the MaxValue Supermarket.

While standing near the roadside to catch a taxi to the BSP Bank, a young man approached him and warned that standing close to the road could be dangerous.

The man then offered to help when Mr Kauwale explained that he needed to withdraw money. Trusting him, Mr Kauwale handed over his ATM card and PIN.

The man left the area at around 11.20am and did not return.

By about 11.30am, Mr Kauwale began to feel numb and cold, a condition he said he often experiences. Two market workers assisted him to sit down while concerned members of the public gathered.

A member of the public later noticed Mr Kauwale sitting alone with his crutches beside a Westpac ATM, repeatedly checking his watch and appearing anxious.

After approaching him and hearing his story, she searched nearby ATM areas, including BSP, but could not find anyone matching the description given.

Another woman and her children soon joined in to help. The woman said the man had briefly returned earlier, handed Mr Kauwale $20, and claimed it was all that remained in his account.

Concern grew when attempts were made to check the ATM balance and the PIN was rejected.

It was then discovered that the ATM card in Mr Kauwale’s possession did not belong to him, raising alarm that the cards had been swapped and his pension funds taken.

Police were immediately notified and responded to the scene. Officers questioned Mr Kauwale, who described the suspect as wearing a blue short-sleeved shirt with a flower print and black trousers.

Police later reviewed CCTV footage and escorted Mr Kauwale to the Market Police Post and then to Totogo Police Station, where formal reports were lodged.

“I told the officers I trusted him because I believed he wanted to help me,” Mr Kauwale said. “Maybe when he saw the money, his mind changed.”

Later that night, police informed Mr Kauwale that the suspect had been located. He thanked the officers for carrying out their duties.

'No anger, just love'

Despite the ordeal, Mr Kauwale said he felt no anger toward the suspect.

“I was not angry or blaming him,” he said. “I was only praying in my heart, asking God to forgive me for the wrong decision I made.”

That same night, Mr Kauwale received a call from his daughter in New Zealand, who expressed concern for his safety rather than the money lost.

“She told me not to worry about the money, but about my life,” he said. “She always tells me to go with someone when withdrawing money.”

Following the incident, members of the public rallied around Mr Kauwale, organising donations through M-PAiSA to help him recover from his loss.

By yesterday afternoon, over $5,000 was raised to support Mr Kauwale from Good Samaritans.

“I want to thank everyone who came forward to help me and those who took my reports,” Mr Kauwale said.

“I believe it’s not about dead reports or just sharing stories; it’s about helping people while they are still alive.”

For Mr Kauwale, the experience has reinforced both his faith and his belief in humanity.

“Even when evil exists,” he said, “kindness still shows the love of God through people.”