SIMUNJAN: A man from Sebuyau was arrested on Wednesday after he mistakenly shot dead a distant relative while hunting for wild boar at Bukit Selabu Ensika.
The 43-year-old suspect from Rumah Sadon Kampung Ensika was detained by police when he surrendered himself at the police station following the incident.
District police chief DSP Choo Yin Kok, who confirmed the case when contacted yesterday, said the incident occurred shortly after the suspect arrived at the scene to hunt for wild boar together with two other men.
“The group split up upon arrival at the scene at 5pm, with the deceased – 52-year-old Bagong Andil – heading in one direction on his own while the suspect and Bagong’s son-in-law going together in another direction,” he revealed.
Choo said around 15 minutes later, the two men heard what they thought was a wild boar not far from them and the suspect discharged his shotgun in the direction of the sound.
“After firing the shotgun, they went in search of the wild boar but instead found Bagong lifeless on the ground with a gunshot wound on the left side of his chest.”
The incident was brought to the attention of fellow villagers, who quickly reported the matter to the police.
It is learnt that police have seized the shotgun used in the incident and that the suspect has been remanded for seven days pending further investigation.