Tonga: Head stomp witnessed

A police witness has told the Supreme Court in Tonga he saw a police Inspector put New Zealand policeman Kali Fungavaka in a chokehold, while another officer later stomped on the victim’s head.

Five police officers are standing trial on manslaughter charges over the death.

Crown witness Constable Tokemoana Tongamoa, told the court that he saw Fungavaka put in a chokehold by Police Inspector Kelepi Hala’ufia, as an attempt to make Fungavaka sit down.

Tongamoa said that he later saw two other police officers dragging Fungavaka on the floor, and one stomped on his head.

Matangi Tonga reports the Crown Prosecutor intends calling 30 witnesses to give evidence as the case proceeds.