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Illustration of Officer Admits Guilt in Suva Death

Police Officer Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Kava-Fueled Incident

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A 28-year-old police officer has admitted to manslaughter in connection with the death of a man in Suva earlier this year. Fifita Toma Tawake entered his plea yesterday before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva, where a trial had been set to commence.

The incident occurred on January 13, when Tawake and some friends were drinking kava at JJ’s on the Park, now known as DeVos on the Park. Afterward, as they were driving home, Tawake’s vehicle allegedly ran a red traffic light near Central St. A 47-year-old man was crossing the road at that moment and tapped the rear of Tawake’s car to indicate the traffic violation.

Frustrated and possibly impaired by kava, Tawake exited the vehicle and unexpectedly punched the man, who subsequently fell hard onto the concrete. Tawake and a friend attempted to carry the injured man to a corner by the Westpac Bank, leaving him exposed to the rain for approximately 40 minutes. Witnesses reported that Tawake disregarded concerns for the man’s well-being, insisting that he was simply unconscious. When approached for assistance, Tawake reportedly advised a worker in the vicinity to “mind his own business.”

Eventually, bystanders moved the victim for shelter, and when police arrived, Tawake directed them to take the man to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim later died from severe head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.

The case will resume on Wednesday for final submissions, with Justice Rajasinghe expected to issue a sentence on Friday.

This tragic incident highlights the severe consequences of reckless behavior fueled by substance use. It serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible alcohol consumption and the need for vigilance on our streets. Efforts must continue in communities to promote awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.


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