Six men accused of manslaughter, including five Tongan police officers and one detainee, are expected to appear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court this week on Friday, November 2.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police 'Unga Fa'aoa said this afternoon, the accused would appear in open court so that the Crown and defence counsel could decide how to deal with case at the lower court. 

He said there were two ways that the case could be dealt with. The first was by direct submittal to the Supreme Court for trial, or alternatively to hold a Preliminary Inquiry in which the Magistrate would decide after, whether there was a prima facie case for submittal to the Supreme Court.

Disclosure

'Unga said the police had on October 15, disclosed to the defence all materials regarding their investigation against each accused, which was normal court procedure.

The six men charged with manslaughter, with an alternative charge of causing grevious bodily harm, are Inspector Kelepi Hala'ufia with four police constables Manu Tu'ivai, Tevita Vakalahi, Salesi Maile, Fatai Faletau and the detainee is Semisi Kalisitiane Manu.

The charges are in relation to the death of New Zealand Police Officer Kali Fungavaka who was fatally injured, while in detention on August 17. 

The accused last appeared at the lower court on September 27, and were released on bail.