The trial is underway of five policemen in Tonga charged with manslaughter in relation to the death of a New Zealand police officer.
Constable Kali Fungavaka died in August 2012 from substantial injuries he suffered while in police custody.
Inspector Kelepi Hala'ufia and Constables Salesi Maile, Tevita Vakalahi, Manu Tu'ivai and Fatai Faletau have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter with an alternative charge of grievous bodily harm.
A civilian Semisi Kalisitiane Manu will also be charged with the same offence in a separate jury trial.
Indira Moala reports.
The Crown Prosecutor 'Aminiasi Kefu said it was their case that all five officers acted in joint enterprise causing significant injuries which led to the death of Mr Fungavaka. The injuries included a skull fracture and massive internal bleeding at the base of his brain. The New Zealand policeman had attended the funeral of his grandfather in Tonga and had been out drinking before his arrest. Matangi Tonga reports that the Crown will call 30 witnesses and is expecting to end its case on April16th.
