A police officer, Fifita Tawake Toma, has been sentenced to five years and 11 months in prison following his conviction for manslaughter in the death of a 47-year-old man. Justice Thushara Rajasinghe imposed the sentence, which will allow Toma to be eligible for parole after serving two years and 11 months.

Initially pleading not guilty, Toma changed his plea before the trial began. The case stems from an incident on January 13, when Toma was in a vehicle with three others, after consuming kava in Suva City. The car stopped at traffic lights as Peter Lanyon was crossing the road. In an altercation, Lanyon punched the car, prompting Toma to exit the vehicle and strike Lanyon. As a result, Lanyon fell and hit his head on the pavement, leading to unconsciousness. Toma then moved Lanyon’s body to the other side of the road, where police officers subsequently found him and rushed him to CWM Hospital, but he did not survive.

Toma has 30 days to appeal the conviction.

This case serves as a significant reminder about the responsibilities and conduct expected from law enforcement officers, emphasizing the critical nature of de-escalating potentially violent situations. The legal proceedings highlight the importance of accountability, reinforcing public trust in the justice system.

Summary: Fifita Tawake Toma, a police officer, has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for manslaughter after fatally assaulting Peter Lanyon. Toma will be eligible for parole after serving nearly three years, following a change of plea prior to trial.