Rabat residents wondered what had happened to their mailed items before they learnt that a postman had disposed of letters and parcels instead of delivering them.

Photos shared on social media showed letters and parcels scattered on the ground at Dingli Cliffs. They included hospital documents, bank statements and also junk mail. They were taken to the Rabat police station.

Photos shared on social media showed letters and parcels scattered on the ground at Dingli Cliffs

Irked residents who spoke to this newspaper yesterday said they realised something was wrong when they did not receive post for some days.

“We receive mail regularly, but between July 25 and August 8, we were not getting much post. It was strange, and I decided to ask our regular postwoman,” one resident said.

The postwoman confirmed that there was "an issue" but would not give any details, saying only that the matter had been addressed.

Another resident, who lives in St Catherine Road in Rabat, said she had received a note from MaltaPost on Wednesday, apologising for the incident.

“I received this letter from MaltaPost, who were apologising, but what about the letters we have lost? I was expecting a letter from abroad but it never arrived.

“I was also waiting for a bank statement, which is still missing, too. I am very concerned, as these letters contained personal information and now they are out there somewhere.”

When contacted about the residents’ claims, a MaltaPost spokeswoman confirmed that the incident had occurred.

“Following an investigation on the incident, MaltaPost immediately reported to the Malta Communication Authority, which is the authority responsible for the quality of the mail service in Malta,” the spokeswoman said.

She added that the person who was “responsible for this incident” was no longer employed with the postal service provider.

“All letters were distributed to the intended recipients, together with an apology letter.

“MaltaPost apologises for this isolated incident and assures the public that it will continue monitoring all its processes so as to ensure the highest possible quality of service at all times.”

According to the Postal Services Act, anyone who maliciously commits any act which prevents or delays the delivery of a postal article is guilty of an offence and, upon conviction, is liable to a fine of between €1,000 and €25,000 or to imprisonment for a term from one to 12 months, or both.

On whether MaltaPost had reported the incident to the police, the spokeswoman reiterated that the company had approached the MCA, as the competent authority, which was investigating, and it would be taking any further action only upon instructions from the authority.