Police in a press release last evening said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man identified as Nihal of Number 70 Village, Corriverton Berbice. The incident, they said, occurred at approximately 2 am yesterday.
The farmer, who is a licensed firearm holder, was aroused by noise coming from his chicken pens, police reported, and upon checking saw a man lurking around the area. “It is reported that he [the farmer] discharged a round from his shotgun”, police said. The farmer discovered Nihal, who is believed to be mentally challenged, lying on the ground when he checked the area.
Stabroek News learnt from a police source last night that the farmer contacted police and when they arrived at the scene it was only then the injured man was rushed to the Skeldon Hospital. Nihal, police said, died while receiving medical attention.
The poultry farmer has been arrested and is in police custody assisting with the investigations.
Meanwhile, the police source told this newspaper Nihal would’ve been trespassing and the farmer indicated that he suspects the man was stealing or intended to steal his chickens. However, the source stressed there are rules and regulations governing the use of firearms by licensed holders and there is a possibility that charges will be laid against the farmer.
The death of Gavin Paul, 20, of Hill Street, Albouystown, Georgetown earlier this year raised questions about the shooting to death of lawbreakers as licensed firearm holders seek to have vigilante justice meted out. Paul had reportedly snatched a woman’s gold chain on June 6, was chased and fatally shot by a licensed firearm holder who remains unidentified.
An information sheet given to licensed firearm holders by the police lists general principles to be followed and indicates four situations in which the armed person may fire.
The information sheet, under the heading “When you may fire”, states “When anyone is found committing or about to commit a felony, e.g. ‘Murder, Dangerous Violence To A Person, Robbery, Burglary, Shop Breaking, Store Breaking, House Breaking, Arson or Larceny’ and does not desist after warning and cannot be deterred or arrested by any other means”.
Licensed firearm holders may also fire when attacked, if they sustain serious danger to their person and are unable to defend themselves by other means; and when the property they are ordered to defend is attacked and they are unable to defend it by other means.
