A 28-year-old police officer has entered a guilty plea for manslaughter related to the death of a man in Suva earlier this year. Fifita Toma Tawake admitted to the charges before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court, where his trial was set to commence.
The incident occurred on January 13, when Tawake and some friends had been consuming kava at a local venue before driving home. As they approached a set of traffic lights on Central St, a 47-year-old man was crossing the road when the lights turned red. The man tapped the back of Tawake’s car to alert him that he was running the red light.
In a moment of frustration and influenced by kava, Tawake got out of the car and, without provocation, struck the man in the face. The victim fell hard onto the concrete pavement. After the altercation, Tawake and a friend moved the injured man to a nearby corner, leaving him exposed to the rain for approximately 40 minutes. Witnesses reported Tawake dismissing concerns about the man’s well-being, insisting to bystanders that he was merely unconscious.
Eventually, when a police vehicle arrived, Tawake instructed the officers to transport the victim to the hospital, but unfortunately, the man later died from severe head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The court has adjourned the case to Wednesday for concluding submissions, with Justice Rajasinghe expected to announce the sentence on Friday.
This case serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of impulsive behavior under the influence and highlights the importance of accountability, especially for those in public service positions. As the legal proceedings continue, there may be an opportunity for rehabilitation and reflection on the part of Tawake, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and responsibility among individuals in high-stress occupations.
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