Five months after the death of Kali Fungavaka, who was injured while in police custody, the Preliminary Inquiry of five Tongan police officers and one civilian who are charged with manslaughter will be held on February 25-27, at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court.

The Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu, the Crown prosecutor in this case, said today the Preliminary Inquiry would proceed as scheduled.

The accused are Inspector Kelepi Hala'ufia, Police Constables Fatai Faletau, Salesi Maile, Manu Tuivai and Tevita Vakalahi, with a civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu.

They are each charged with manslaughter with an alternative share of causing grevious bodily harm, in relation to Kali's death on 23 August, 2012 at Vaiola Hospital. It is alleged that the victim, Kali Funavaka, a New Zealand policeman visiting Tonga, was fatally injured while in detention on August 17, at the Nuku'alofa Central Police Station.

Accused Inspector Hala'ufia is represented by Palu Taufateau while 'Ofa Pouono represents Tevita Vakalahi. The other defendants had been told to get counsel, said 'Aminiasi.

The accused are on bail until February 25 to appear at the lower court.