Jury to consider verdict May 30 in Kali Fungavaka trial [1]
Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 22:20
Closing submissions from counsel in the jury-trial into the death of Kali Fungavaka was completed today with final direction from the judge tomorrow May 30, before the jury retires to deliberate on a verdict.
Semisi Kalisitiane Manu is the civilian accused on trial for manslaughter with grievous bodily harm as an alternative, at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court.
He is the sixth accused, along with the five policemen who are also charged with similar offences in relation to Kali’s death.
The Crown Prosecutor ‘Aminiasi Kefu had completed calling over 20 of its witnesses yesterday, May 28. While, the defence represented by Sione ‘Etika today elected not to give evidence.
The jury then heard final submissions from the two counsel, completed this afternoon.
Mr Justice Cato will make his final direction to the seven-member jury on Friday, May 30 before they are let go to deliberate on a verdict.
This jury trial which began on May 19 followed the first trial for the five accused policemen that was completed last month before Mr Justice Cato.
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 an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm.
The jury is expected to deliver their verdict first for Manu, before the judge releases his verdict for the five accused policemen.
Kali, a New Zealand Police officer who was fatally injured while in police custody in Nuku’alofa, died on August 23, 2012 at Vaiola Hospital.