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 proceedings, Prosecutor Ledua indicated that the prosecution was unprepared for the trial due to the absence of their main witness, with only police officers present. Magistrate Prasad expressed his disappointment, stating that the prosecution’s actions left him with no option but to consider the case closed. He reminded the prosecution of the accused’s right to a timely trial as per Section 14 (g) of the 2013 Constitution.
Due to the lack of evidence and the prosecution’s setbacks, Magistrate Prasad ruled that there was no case to answer. Vakarisi, meanwhile, informed the court that he is nearing the end of his one year and three months imprisonment sentence. He was convicted for his role in the Nabua assault case in 2018, being one of nine individuals involved. The magistrate acquitted Vakarisi under Section 170 of the Criminal Procedure Act 2009.