The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against Jone Vakarisi due to the Police Prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was charged with criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” with the intention of causing alarm. This incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva.
During the court session, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that the prosecution was unprepared for the trial because their main witness was absent, with only Police officers present. Magistrate Prasad expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that the prosecution was leaving him with no alternative. He reminded them of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the accused the right to a timely trial.
Given the circumstances, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case to answer. Vakarisi mentioned that he is nearing the end of his one year and three months sentence, having been one of only eight individuals convicted in a separate Nabua assault case in 2018. The magistrate acquitted him under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.