12 Sep 2012

Tonga police continue investigation into killing of New Zealand officer

1:47 pm on 12 September 2012

Tonga's police commissioner, Grant O'Fee, says investigations into the killing of New Zealand police officer, Kali Fungavaka, are continuing.

Mr Fungavaka died after being beaten while in police custody nearly 4 weeks ago.

Matangi Tonga reports Mr O'Fee saying a team led by Deputy Commissioner, Unga Fa'aoa, is still interviewing witnesses and re-interviewing others to gain more detail.

He says police are very grateful members of the public have come forward to assist the investigation.

The Commissioner says police want to ensure the Solicitor General has the best possible information available before he decides what charges will finally be laid in relation to the death.

Currently, a civilian, Semisi Manu, is facing a manslaughter charge and two police officers, Salesi Maili and Fatai Faletau, have been charged with common assault.