Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Six appear in court over death of New Zealand policeman in Tonga

Posted at 22:40 on 25 February, 2013 UTC

The crown prosecutor in Tonga has alleged that New Zealand police officer Kali Fungavaka was beaten up from the time of his arrest outside a Nuku’alofa bar and continued inside the capital’s central police station.

Matangi Tonga website reports the preliminary inquiry into the death of Kali Fungavaka began yesterday afternoon at the Nuku’alofa Magistrate’s Court.

All of the five police men accused, and a civilian are charged with manslaughter with an alternative charge of causing grievous bodily harm.

The inquiry continues today.