By DayakDaily Team
SERIAN, July 24: An elderly man’s intent to shoot a squirrel ended in tragedy when a bullet from his rifle fatally struck a woman at Kampung Engkeroh Mawang, Tebekang, yesterday (July 23).
The incident occurred at around 9am when the 52-year-old victim was at her vegetable farm. She was believed to have been unnoticed by the 89-year-old suspect.
Serian District Police chief, Superintendent Freddy Bian, said initial investigations revealed the suspect had mistaken movement in the farm for a squirrel and opened fire.
“Tragically, the shot struck the victim, who was not far from the intended target. She was pronounced dead at the scene,” he told TVS when contacted today.
He added that the suspect is currently in custody and will be remanded for further investigation under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.
The firearm used was legally licensed, but registered under the suspect’s son.
“The licence was initially under the suspect’s name but was transferred to his son in 2012.
“We are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the weapon’s possession and how it remained under the suspect’s control,” he added.
In light of the incident, police urge the public to exercise greater caution and comply with firearm regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring. — DayakDaily
