A 28-year-old police officer has admitted to manslaughter in relation to the death of a man earlier this year in Suva’s Central Street. Fifita Toma Tawake entered his plea yesterday before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court in Suva, where his trial had been set to commence.
The incident happened on January 13, when Tawake and friends were reportedly drinking kava at JJ’s on the Park, now rebranded as DeVos on the Park. As they were driving home, they approached a traffic light where a 47-year-old man was crossing the street. When the light turned red, he tapped the rear of Tawake’s vehicle to indicate that it was running a red light.
Feeling frustrated and under the influence of kava, Tawake stopped the car, exited, and without any provocation, struck the man in the face. The man fell violently onto the pavement. Tawake and a companion helped move the injured man to the corner near Westpac Bank, leaving him in the rain for approximately 40 minutes, despite bystanders expressing concern about the man’s health. Tawake reportedly brushed off their worries, claiming the man was simply unconscious.
Witness accounts indicate that when a nearby worker approached to assist, Tawake told him to “mind his own business.” It was only when a police vehicle arrived that Tawake instructed officers to take the man to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim later died from severe head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The case has been adjourned until Wednesday for final submissions, with Justice Rajasinghe expected to pronounce the sentence on Friday.
This tragic case highlights the importance of responsibility, especially in situations involving substance use and public interaction. It serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly situations can escalate and have irreversible consequences. As the court prepares to deliver a verdict, it is hoped that this will lead to greater awareness and discussion around public safety and accountability among individuals in positions of authority.
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