Authorities in Tonga have scheduled an appeal hearing for June 24 to review a lower court decision discharging three policemen Constable Fatai Faletau, Constable Tevita Vakalahi and Constable Manu Tu’ivai.
The three including two other policemen and one civilian previously charged with manslaughter of New Zealand Policeman Kali Peaua Fungavaka but released by a court magistrate last month saying there were insufficient evidence to connect them with the death of Mr Fungavaka.
The other three namely Constable Salesi Maile, Inspector Kelepi Hala’ufia and civilian Kalisitiane Manu were taken to Supreme Court to be tried for the killing of Mr Fungavaka.
Mr Justice Charles Cato has this morning confirmed that the trial date will not be scheduled until appeals regarding this case are heard.
Kali Fungavaka died in Vaiola Hospital in Tonga on August 23 after he was detained by police in Nuku’alofa Police Station on 17 August 2012.
