The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against Jone Vakarisi after the Police Prosecution was unable to present complete evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was charged with criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” with the intent to cause alarm. This incident reportedly took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva.
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the magistrate that the prosecution was unprepared for trial due to the absence of their key witness, with only police officers present. Magistrate Prasad expressed frustration over the situation and emphasized the importance of the accused’s right to a timely trial as outlined in Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution. He indicated that due to the prosecution’s shortcomings, he would rule that there was no case to answer.
Vakarisi mentioned to the court that he is currently in the final four months of his one year and three months imprisonment. He was one of the eight individuals convicted in the 2018 Nabua assault case. The magistrate ultimately acquitted him under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.