Hunter mistakes friend for bird, shoots him dead

KAPIT: A hunting trip took a tragic turn Monday when a man was shot dead by his friend after being mistaken for a bird.

The victim, identified as Edwin Gading, 26, died from gunshot wounds to the head inflicted by his hunting partner in the jungle of Lubuk Nabau, Sungai Sut, Baleh.

District pol ice chief DSP Freddy Bian said the two friends were hunting for animals along separate routes when the incident happened around 4pm.

“Upon realising he had shot his own friend, the 30-year-old suspect rushed back to his longhouse and informed his father. He said he had discharged his weapon after sighting a shadow which looked like a bird.

“A group of villagers subsequent ly headed to the scene and transpor ted the victim to Kapit Hospital where he was pronounced dead,” he said yesterday.

Following the incident, Freddy said the suspect surrendered at the police station here, and is currently being investigated under Section 304 of the Penal Code for causing death by negligence.

“We have also seized his shotgun as evidence,” he added.

Upon realising he had shot his own friend, the 30-yearold suspect rushed back to his longhouse and informed his father. He said he had discharged his weapon after sighting a shadow which looked like a bird. DSP Freddy Bian, district police chief