The Suva Magistrate’s Court has cleared Jone Vakarisi of all charges after the Police Prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was accused of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by stating, “I will kill you,” with the intention of instilling fear.
The incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that they were unprepared for the trial due to the absence of their main witness, with only police officers present.
Magistrate Prasad expressed disappointment and indicated that the Prosecutor’s lack of preparedness was leaving him with no options. He reminded the prosecution of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the accused the right to a timely trial. Due to this setback, he ruled that there was no case to answer. When questioned, Vakarisi revealed that he is currently in the final four months of a one year and three months prison sentence. He was previously one of eight individuals convicted for an assault case in Nabua in 2018.
Magistrate Prasad acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.