The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the charges against Jone Vakarisi due to the Police Prosecution’s inability to provide sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was accused of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by stating, “I will kill you,” intending to instill fear.
The incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that the prosecution was unprepared for trial because their key witness was absent, and only police officers were present.
Expressing disappointment, Magistrate Prasad indicated that the prosecution’s lack of preparation left him with no alternative. He reminded the prosecution of the rights of the accused under Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a trial that starts and concludes without unreasonable delays.
Due to these circumstances, Magistrate Prasad decided to rule that there was no case to answer. When questioned, Vakarisi mentioned that he is currently serving the final months of a one-year and three-month sentence. He was the sole individual convicted in connection to the Nabua assault case in 2018, out of eight others.
Magistrate Prasad formally acquitted the case under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.