A 28-year-old police officer named Fifita Toma Tawake has entered a guilty plea for manslaughter in connection with the death of a 47-year-old man in Suva earlier this year. Tawake appeared in the High Court before Justice Thushara Rajasinghe, where his trial was set to commence.
On January 13, Tawake, along with some friends, was reportedly consuming kava at JJ’s on the Park, now called DeVos on the Park. Following their drinking session, they drove home, and as they neared a set of traffic lights at Central St, an incident occurred. A pedestrian, crossing the road from the Westpac Bank to the Fiji Airways office, signaled Tawake’s vehicle as it ran a red light by tapping the back of the car.
In a reaction fueled by frustration and likely the effects of kava, Tawake exited his vehicle and, without provocation, struck the pedestrian in the face. The man fell violently onto the concrete surface. Following this, Tawake and a companion moved the injured individual to a corner near Westpac Bank, leaving him exposed to the rain for approximately 40 minutes while dismissing onlookers’ concerns. Tawake reportedly rebuffed a nearby worker’s attempt to assist, telling him to “mind his own business.”
Eventually, bystanders relocated the man to a sheltered area before a police vehicle arrived. Tawake then instructed the officers to take the victim to the hospital; however, sadly, the man later died from serious head injuries at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
The case has been postponed to Wednesday for concluding submissions, with a sentencing from Justice Rajasinghe expected on Friday.
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly actions can escalate and lead to irreparable consequences. It emphasizes the importance of accountability and the impact of choices made under the influence. As the justice system moves forward, there is hope that this case reinforces the necessity for responsible behavior, particularly in positions of authority.
In summary, this article outlines a significant legal development involving a police officer’s guilty plea for manslaughter, which raises broader discussions about accountability and the ramifications of one’s actions.
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