A former police officer, Fifita Toma Tawake, has been sentenced to nearly five years in prison after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of an intoxicated man. The incident occurred on January 13 of this year when, while under the influence of alcohol, Tawake punched the victim after an altercation related to tapping their vehicle as they ran a red light in Suva.
During the proceedings at the Suva High Court, it was revealed that Tawake showed a lack of concern for the victim after the assault, leaving him unconscious on the street. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe expressed disapproval of Tawake’s actions, particularly for dragging the man to a corner and leaving him in the rain.
Despite being a first-time offender, Tawake’s remorse and immediate guilty plea were taken into account during sentencing. Ultimately, he received a prison term of four years and 11 months, with a non-parole period of two years and 11 months.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of actions driven by alcohol and the responsibilities that come with being a law enforcement officer, highlighting the need for greater accountability and the importance of making responsible choices.
It is hoped that justice for the victim and their family will be a step toward raising awareness about the effects of violence and intoxication, leading to more thoughtful discussions on public safety and individual responsibility in the community.
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