Three men of Asian origin who were charged with murder in relation to the death of a 44-year-old Nuku'alofa shopkeeper, were released on bail on Monday, June 25.

Acting Police Commissioner Taniela Faletau said this morning that the three men were released on bail by the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court, but under conditions that they surrender their passports to the court and are prohibited from leaving Tonga.

He said the court ordered a $3,000 pa'anga bond for each suspect. They are scheduled to appear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court next week on Monday July 2.

Police arrested the three men on Thursday, June 21 after search warrants were executed at their premises in Ma'ufanga.

They were each charged with murder in relation to the death of the Chinese shopkeeper at his shop in Railway Road, Nuku'alofa, on June 15.

The police homicide investigation was continuing, the Acting Police Commissiner said.