Six accused including five policemen who are charged in relation to the death of New Zealand Police officer Kali Fungavaka entered not guilty pleas at the Nuku’alofa Supreme Court. The setting of trial dates is now expected to be held on 5 September 2013.

Accused Police Inspector Kelepi Hala’ufia and Police Constables Salesi Maile, Tevita Vakalahi, Manu Tu’ivai, Fatai Faletau and civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu appeared before Mr. Justice Charles Cato and pleaded not guilty to charges of manslaughter and grevious bodily harm.

Five of the accused elected for a trial by judge alone, while the civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu opted for a jury trial.

Legal arguments

The judge adjourned the case for 23 August 2013 to hear legal arguments from counsel as to how the court is going to deal with the cases considering there are two different elections for trial by the accused.

He will then make a decision on how the trial will be dealt with before proceeding to set the trial dates on September 5.

Four of the accused had counsel in court, while Faletau and Maile had none. They were strongly advised by the judge to get legal representation. The Crown was represented by the Solicitor General 'Aminiasi Kefu and Sione Sisifa.

Kali Fungavaka died in August last after he was fatally injured while in police custody.