The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed charges against Jone Vakarisi after the Police Prosecution failed to provide adequate evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was accused of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” with the intent to instill fear. This incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva.
During the proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua informed the court that they were unprepared for the trial due to the absence of their primary witness, with only police officers present to testify. Magistrate Prasad expressed disappointment, stating that the prosecution was leaving him with no option but to act. He reiterated the importance of Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which grants the accused the right to a trial that begins and concludes without unreasonable delays.
Given the circumstances, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case for Vakarisi to answer. Vakarisi mentioned in court that he is nearing the end of a one year and three months imprisonment sentence. He was the only one among eight others convicted in connection with the Nabua assault case in 2018. The case was dismissed under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.