The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the charges against Jone Vakarisi due to the Police Prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was accused of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” intending to instill fear.
The incident occurred on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the trial proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that they were unprepared for the trial as their key witness was absent, with only police officers present.
Magistrate Prasad expressed disappointment at the situation, indicating that the prosecution was leaving him with no choice. He reminded them of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which grants the accused the right to a timely trial. Due to the prosecution’s shortcomings, he decided to rule that there was no case to answer.
Vakarisi informed the court that he is currently serving the final four months of a one year and three months sentence for a separate assault case from 2018, in which he was one of eight individuals convicted. Magistrate Prasad officially acquitted him under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.