Two men who allegedly fired their hunting rifles in  fits of rage in separate incidents, are in trouble with the law.

In Nadi, a Sabeto man, 42, who allegedly fired a rifle into the air and then threatened a caretaker, will appear in the Nadi court this morning.

This happened when goats from the neighbour’s property, where the caretaker is based, wandered into his compound on December 23.

The suspect was apprehended on Tuesday night during a normal Police check-point operation at the Lomolomo Police Post, between Nadi and Lautoka.

During the search at the check point, police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said guns and ammunition were found in his vehicle.

It is believed the man has a licence for the guns but the licence was confined to his farm and nowhere else.

It is believed Police found a shot gun and a rifle normally used for pigeon hunting.

Ms Naisoro said the man would be produced at the Nadi Magistrates Court today for carrying arms in public place.

The suspect is also charged over securing of arms, ammunition and possession of arms without a valid license.

Meanwhile, a 45-year-old man of Benau, Labasa, is under investigation for allegedly using his rifle to shoot his neighbour’s chickens for trespassing into his compound.

Ms Naisoro said the incident occurred on Boxing Day and it is alleged the suspect out of frustration that his neighbours chickens kept trespassing into his compound, used his rifle to shoot the chickens.

She said Police investigation continued into the alleged misuse of the weapon.

“We are requesting members of the public to control their emotions and learn to talk about their issues instead of resorting to violence,” Ms Naisoro said.

Edited by Maraia Vula

Feedback:  arishma.narayan@fijisun.com.fj