The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the charges against Jone Vakarisi after police prosecution was unable to present sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was facing a charge of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening Alanieta Kuini by saying, “I will kill you,” with the intent to cause distress. This incident took place on May 2, 2022, in Nabua, Suva.
During the hearing, Prosecutor Ledua stated that the prosecution was unprepared for trial due to the absence of their main witness, with only police officers present. Magistrate Prasad expressed disappointment with the prosecution’s lack of readiness and highlighted their failure to respect the accused’s rights under Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution, which guarantees the right to a prompt trial.
Consequently, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case for Vakarisi to answer. Vakarisi informed the court that he is currently serving the last four months of a one year and three months sentence. He was one of the eight individuals convicted in connection with an assault case in Nabua in 2018. The magistrate formally acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.