Submissions further adjourned in Kali Fungavaka trial [1]
Thursday, May 8, 2014 - 09:22
Closing submissions from counsel in the trial of five policemen charged with manslaughter in Kali Fungavaka's death was further adjourned on Wednesday May 7, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.
This was due to defence counsel Siaosi Fifita being sick since Monday, May 5. He represented the accused officer Fatai Faletau.
Mr Justice Cato adjourned the submissions until Fifita can come back to court.
The judge will not be delivering his verdict on the trial until after a jury trial for the accused civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu, which is expected to start next week.
The trial for the accused policemen who chose to be tried by judge alone began on April 8.
The Crown called over 20 witnesses before concluding its case on May 1. The defence side then decided not to give evidence leaving only the closing submissions from counsel.
The accused Police Inspector Kelepi Hala‘ufia and Police Constables Salesi Maile, Tevita Vakalahi, Manu Tu’ivai, Fatai Faletau have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter with the alternative of grievous bodily harm.
Jury-trial
Meanwhile, a jury will be selected on Monday, May 12 for Manu's trial.
He has pleaded not guilty to a similar charge of manslaughter with the alternative of grievous bodily harm.
The jury trial is expected to run for three-weeks. The Crown anticipates to call 20 witnesses to give evidence.
Kali, a New Zealand Police officer was fatally injured while in police custody died at Vaiola Hospital on August 23, 2012.