Accused policeman, Halafe'iloaki Pule'anga, leaves court at Mu'a this morning, 21 November 2012.

Three male Police Constables who are each charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of 'Inoke Finau Vala Pepa (20) at Vaini, appeared at the Mu'a Magistrate's Court this morning and will be released on bail until their next court appearance, on January 14, 2013.

The accused, Halafe'iloaki Pule'anga, Samisoni Taufa and Sefo Masalu, appeared before Magistrate Salesi Mafi, and had their case adjourned to chambers on January 14 next year, at the lower court.

Police Prosecutor 'Otutaha told the court they had completed their work and had no objection to the release on bail of the accused today.

Magistrate Mafi ordered that all of the accused be released on bail of  $2,000 pa'anga each and to provide two sureties of $1,000 each. They were also ordered to surrender their passports to the court.

Two of the accused Halafe'iloaki Pule'anga and Samisoni Taufa were represented in court by Sifa Tu'utafaiva, while counsel 'Ofa Pouono represented Sefo Masalu.

All three men are similarly charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of 'Inoke Finau Vala Pepa after a fight at Vaini, early Friday morning 16 November. Police reported last week, that the victim who suffered head injuries was pronounced dead upon arrival at Vaiola Hospital, later the same morning.

Death

Meanwhile, in another case  involving Tonga police officers, a Preliminary Inquiry of five police officers and one civilian, who are charged with manslaughter in relation to death of New Zealander Kali Fungavaka had been set to February 25-27, 2013 at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court.

Kali, a New Zealand Police officer was fatally injured while being held in custody in the Central Police station, on 17 August.

This is the second incident in just three months involving police officers who allegedly assaulted civilians resulting in their deaths.