High Court closes case against Jone Vakarisi

Proceedings against the late drug accused Jone Vakarisi were formally ended today after the High Court in Suva granted the State’s application to abate the case following his death.

The matter was called before Chief Justice Salesi Temo, where State counsel informed the court that Vakarisi had passed away and applied for the proceedings to be discontinued.

Vakarisi had previously been convicted of unlawful possession of illicit drugs and damaging police property.

Chief Justice Temo requested official medical confirmation of the cause of death before making a ruling.

After obtaining approval from the Director of the Criminal Investigation Department, the State submitted the medical cause‑of‑death certificate to the court.

Following a review of the medical evidence, Chief Justice Temo granted the application for abatement.

The proceedings have now been formally closed, with no further hearings to be held.

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