The Preliminary Inquiry into the death of 'Inoke Pepa (20), alleged to have been caused by two police officers, is expected to continue on September 24, when post-mortem evidence will be presented.

Crown Prosecutor Sione Sisifa said the doctor was currently on leave and would be available to give her evidence at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court in September.

The two accused policemen, Samisoni Taufa and Sosefo Masalu, are charged with manslaughter, with an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm.

The Preliminary Inquiry into the death of the victim had started on June 4 and the Crown called six witnesses to give evidence.

Joint Enterprise

Crown Prosecutor Sisifa had alleged that the officers were responsible in a joint enterprise for causing the death, and in the alternative charge grievous bodily harm to the victim, in the early hours of 16 November 2012 at Vaini on Tongatapu.

He told the court the accused officers attended a drinking party at a residence of another officer at Vaini. At about 3:00am the victim and others joined in and were told to leave.

'Inoke left and came back with other boys to the front of the residence and challenged them for a fight. Both accused and others got up and chased after the victim and the other boys, he said.

"The Crown alleges the two accused caught up with the victim and assaulted him causing serious injuries to his head and caused his death," said the prosecutor.

The Preliminary Inquiry presided over by Magistrate Salesi Mafi, is to decide whether there is a prima facie case for submittal to the Supreme Court for trial.