A 28-year-old police officer, Fifita Toma Tawake, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the death of a man in Suva earlier this year. This admission occurred before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe at the High Court, where the trial was set to commence.
The incident unfolded on January 13, when Tawake, along with friends, was reportedly consuming kava at a local establishment before driving home. As they approached a traffic light on Central St, a 47-year-old man attempted to cross the road from the Westpac Bank to the Fiji Airways office as the light turned red. The man tapped the back of Tawake’s car to signal that they were running a red light.
In a moment of frustration, potentially exacerbated by alcohol consumption, Tawake exited his vehicle and, without provocation, struck the man in the face, causing him to fall heavily onto the pavement. Tawake and a companion moved the injured individual to a nearby corner and left him exposed to the elements for about 40 minutes, dismissing concerns from bystanders regarding his well-being. Despite the gravity of the situation, Tawake reportedly told a bystander to “mind his own business.”
Eventually, when authorities arrived, Tawake directed the police officers to take the man to the hospital. Unfortunately, the victim later succumbed to significant head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The court has adjourned the case until Wednesday, with final submissions scheduled, and Justice Rajasinghe is expected to announce the sentence on Friday.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of actions taken under the influence and the importance of community responsibility. As the case progresses into sentencing, it highlights the urgency for conversations around accountability and safety during social activities.
For those impacted by similar issues, there is hope that this case will stimulate discussions about responsible behavior in social settings and the lifesaving importance of looking out for one another in times of need.
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