There have been additional reports of mpaisa theft, with two recent cases occurring in Labasa.
In the first incident, a 35-year-old woman from Namara, Labasa, is accused of withdrawing $320 that had been sent in error by a member of the public back in March.
According to police, the victim mistakenly sent the money, believing it was going to a family friend’s number who had requested assistance. Once the victim confirmed with her family friend that there was no such request made, she reported the matter to the police.
In a separate case, a 20-year-old man from Nabekavu has been charged with one count of obtaining financial advantage for allegedly dishonestly acquiring $200. The victim reportedly sent this money in response to a Facebook advertisement for a phone that was for sale.
It is alleged that the accused withdrew the funds and then ceased communication with the victim. Both individuals are scheduled to appear in the Labasa Magistrates Court today.