A 28-year-old police officer has entered a guilty plea for manslaughter in connection with the death of a man in Suva earlier this year. Fifita Toma Tawake admitted to the charge before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva, where his trial was slated to commence.
The incident occurred on January 13, when Tawake, along with friends, had been consuming kava at JJ’s on the Park, now referred to as DeVos on the Park. As they were driving home and approached traffic lights near Central Street, a 47-year-old man was attempting to cross the road after the lights had turned red. Prosecutor Simone Seruvatu detailed that the man lightly tapped Tawake’s vehicle to indicate that it had run the red light.
In a moment of frustration, exacerbated by alcohol consumption, Tawake exited his car and struck the man in the face without any provocation. The victim fell violently onto the concrete, sustaining severe injuries. Tawake and a friend moved the injured man to a nearby corner and left him exposed to the rain for approximately 40 minutes, dismissing the concerns of witnesses who suggested he needed help. When a passerby attempted to intervene, Tawake reportedly told him to mind his own business.
Eventually, when authorities arrived, Tawake directed the police to take the injured man to the hospital, where the victim later succumbed to his head injuries.
The case has been postponed until Wednesday for final submissions, with Justice Rajasinghe expected to deliver a sentence on Friday.
This case underscores the importance of responsible conduct and the serious repercussions of actions taken under the influence of substances. It serves as a disturbing reminder of the consequences that can arise from reckless behavior. Moving forward, it is hoped that this tragic incident will lead to greater awareness and preventative measures regarding alcohol consumption and public safety.
In summary, Tawake’s plea and the details surrounding the incident raise crucial conversations about accountability and the duty of care, particularly from those in positions of authority.
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