The Suva Magistrate’s Court has dismissed the case against Jone Vakarisi due to the Police Prosecution’s failure to present sufficient evidence during the trial. Vakarisi was accused of criminal intimidation for allegedly threatening an individual named Alanieta Kuini with the words, “I will kill you,” intending to instill fear. 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 as their key witness was absent. Only police officers were present. Magistrate Prasad expressed his disappointment and pointed out that the Prosecution was leaving him with no alternative.
He reminded the Prosecutor about the right of the accused to have a trial that begins and finishes without unnecessary delays, as stated in Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution. Due to the Prosecution’s shortcomings, the Magistrate ruled that there was no case to answer. Vakarisi informed the court that he is nearing the end of his one-year and three-month imprisonment term, which he is serving for a separate assault case from 2018, where he was the only one convicted among eight others.
Magistrate Prasad acquitted Vakarisi’s case under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.