NZ cop death inquiry set down for next year

New Zealand police officer Kali Fungavaka. File photo / supplied

A court inquiry into the alleged manslaughter of a New Zealand police officer will be held in Tonga next year.

Charges were laid against five police officers and a fellow detainee after Kali Fungavaka suffered fatal injuries in a Tongan police cell on August 17.

The Nuku'alofa Magistrates Court today considered submissions from prosecution and defence lawyers on how the case should proceed.

One option was for a trial to be held in the Supreme Court. The other was for a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the case should progress to the higher court.

A court official told APNZ a preliminary inquiry would be held in the Magistrates Court next February 22.

Mr Fungavaka, who was in Tonga to bury his grandfather, had been arrested for a minor drunkenness offence after going to a Nuku'alofa club with a relative.

He died after receiving injuries while in police custody.

The officers facing manslaughter charges are Inspector Kelepi Hala'ufia, who was supervising officer on the night of Mr Fungavaka's death, and constables Fatai Faletau, Salesi Maile, Manu Tu'ivai and Tevita Vakalahi.

Semisi Kalisitiane Manu, who was also in police custody at the time of Mr Fungavaka's death, has also been charged with manslaughter.

All six men face alternative charges of causing grievous bodily harm.

They have been on bail since an appearance in September.