The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against Jone Vakarisi after the Police Prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was charged with 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 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, stating that the prosecution was leaving him with no choice but to act.
He referenced Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, emphasizing the accused’s right to a timely trial. Due to the prosecution’s setbacks, he concluded that there was no case to answer. Vakarisi mentioned that he is currently in the final four months of a one year and three months sentence. He was the sole individual convicted in the Nabua assault case of 2018 among eight others. The magistrate acquitted the case based on Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.