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 with the statement, “I will kill you,” intending to instill fear.
The incident occurred on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva. During the court proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that they were unprepared for trial due to the absence of their main witness, as only police officers were present.
Magistrate Prasad expressed disappointment at the prosecution’s lack of readiness, stating that they were leaving him with no alternative. He reiterated to the prosecution the importance of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the accused the right to a trial that begins and concludes without undue delay.
Due to these deficiencies, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case to answer. When questioned, Vakarisi noted that he is approaching the final four months of his one-year and three-month sentence. He was the only one of the nine individuals convicted in connection with the Nabua assault case in 2018.
Magistrate Prasad acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.