One of three accused Police Constables has been acquitted of manslaughter after police prosecution offered no evidence in in relation to the death of 'Inoke Finau Vala Pepa (20) in Vaini last year.

Police Prosecutor Mema Latu said today that the prosecution offered no evidence to support a manslaughter charge against police officer Halafe'iloaki Pule'anga and so he was acquitted and released.

He said the two other officers Samisoni Taufa and Sefo Masalu are both facing charges of manslaughter and grevious bodily harm.

A chamber was held before Magistrate Salesi Mafi at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court on Monday January 14 and the case was adjourned to be called in open court on January 21.

Mema said the case will be mentioned in court to set a timetable for it to be moved forward, both of the accused have been released on bail until then.

The three police officers made their first appearance following their arrest at the Mu'a Magistrate's Court on 21 November 2012. Police reported that the officers were charged after a fight at Vaini early Friday morning 16 November 2012. The victim suffered head injuries and was pronounced dead upon arrival to Vaiola Hospital later the same morning.

Death

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

Kali, a New Zealand officer was fatally injured while being held in custody at the Nuku'alofa Central Police station, on 17 August 2012.