The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the charges against Jone Vakarisi as the Police Prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi faced a charge of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening an individual named Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” intending to cause alarm.
This incident occurred on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the trial, Prosecutor Ledua stated that the prosecution was unprepared, as their key witness was absent. The only individuals present were police officers.
Magistrate Prasad expressed his disappointment, indicating that the prosecution was leaving him with no alternative. He stressed the importance of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a prompt trial. Due to the lack of evidence and the absence of the main witness, he ruled there was no case to answer.
When questioned, Vakarisi informed the court that he is currently in the final four months of a one-year and three-month sentence. He was convicted in connection with an assault case in Nabua in 2018, being one of nine individuals involved.
Magistrate Prasad ultimately acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.