The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed charges against Jone Vakarisi after the Police Prosecution was unable to provide sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi had faced a charge of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” intending to cause alarm. This incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva.
During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua stated that the prosecution was not prepared for trial as their key witness was absent, with only police officers present. Magistrate Prasad expressed his disappointment, indicating that the lack of evidence left him with no alternatives.
In his remarks, Magistrate Prasad emphasized the rights enshrined in Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which grants the accused the right to a trial that begins and concludes in a timely manner. Acknowledging the prosecution’s shortcomings, he ruled there was no case to answer. Vakarisi informed the court that he was nearing the end of his one-year and three-month sentence, as he was one of the eight individuals convicted in the Nabua assault case in 2018.
Ultimately, Magistrate Prasad acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.