A 28-year-old police officer, Fifita Toma Tawake, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a 47-year-old man on Central Street in Suva earlier this year. This plea was made before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva, where Tawake’s trial was originally set to begin.
The incident occurred on January 13 when Tawake, who had been drinking kava with friends at a local establishment known as JJ’s on the Park, was driving home. While approaching traffic lights, a man crossing the street signaled to Tawake’s vehicle after noticing it ran a red light. In a fit of frustration and under the influence of kava, Tawake exited his car and without provocation, punched the man, who then fell onto the pavement.
Following the incident, Tawake and a friend carried the man to a nearby corner and left him exposed to the rain for approximately 40 minutes, despite bystanders expressing concern for his wellbeing. Witnesses indicated that Tawake downplayed the severity of the situation, claiming the man was simply unconscious when prompted by onlookers to seek help. It was only when police arrived that Tawake instructed them to take the victim to the hospital, but unfortunately, the man later died from serious head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The court case has been adjourned until Wednesday, with final submissions expected to be made, and Justice Rajasinghe scheduled to deliver a sentence on Friday.
This tragic incident highlights the dire consequences of reckless behavior and the need for responsible decision-making, particularly under the influence of substances. The court’s proceedings may offer a sense of closure to the victim’s family, and the case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in positions of authority. As the community processes this painful event, there is hope that changes in behavior and policy may arise, fostering greater public safety and preventive measures in the future.
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