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 an individual named Alanieta Kuini by stating, “I will kill you” with the intent to instigate fear.
The incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the trial, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that they were unprepared for proceedings as their primary witness was absent, leaving only police officers in attendance.
Magistrate Prasad expressed dissatisfaction with this situation, indicating that the prosecution had left him with no alternative. He emphasized the importance of timely trials, referencing Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the accused the right to a prompt trial without undue delay.
Due to these circumstances, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case to answer. Vakarisi, who is currently serving the remaining four months of a one year and three months sentence, was the only one convicted among eight individuals in a previous Nabua assault case in 2018. He was acquitted under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.