I used gun in self defence: Ali

A 48-year-old truck driver of Nausori who fired gun shots at two people who entered his house with the intention to rob his family is still living in fear.

Speaking to FijiLive, Sheik Tabish Ali who originally hails from Seaqaqa said he acted in self defence and is fearing retaliation from the pair who he claims were on the verge of robbing his family at their residence in Lobau  Feeder Road, Nausori.

“We have been staying here for about a year now and this was the third time the robbers were trying to attack to us and to be honest I had no intention of using my gun but I had no other choice as I had to protect myself and my wife."

"The first time they robbed us, they took with them a total of $7k worth of valuables from our house and the second time they were not able to do anything the family was awake and alert."

“This time they broke into our house and were armed with my engineering tools. While they were slowly opening the door of my bedroom,  I got my gun out of the drawer together with a knife. I gave the knife to my wife and opened the door quickly with a gun in my hand,” Ali added.

"The two men who were of iTaukei origin had steel rods and other equipments in their hands but the moment they saw a gun in my hand, they feared for their lives and ran out at full speed dropping everything they had in their hands."

As Ali chased the two robbers out of the house, he claims to have shot twice, once in the open air and the other on the ground.

“I have a valid license for the gun as I often used it for pigeon hunting ever since I was in Labasa,” Ali said.

He also added that he would not regret if he is charged by the legal authorities because he was just fed up with the daily occurrence of robberies.

The incident occurred at around 1.30am on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Fiji Police spokesperson, Ana Naisoro has confirmed the gun is in police custody.

"Investigations are still underway and no charges in regards to this case has been laid yet," Naisoro added.

By Indrani Krishna