‘Salvu Shot Me’: Victim Identifies Alleged Killer Before Dying

“Salvu shot me,” those were the final words of 33-year-old Kyle Mifsud after being gunned down in Birgu on Sunday afternoon.

Mifsud, from Cospicua, was found bleeding on the stairs of a housing estate in Triq il-Qalb ta’ Ġesù. He had been shot in the abdomen with a hunting rifle following a dispute with 70-year-old neighbour Salvu Mangion.

Police Inspector Stephen Gulia testified that when officers arrived at the scene, Mifsud was writhing in pain and identified Mangion as the shooter. He later died from his injuries at Mater Dei Hospital.

Mangion was arrested shortly after in the Tal-Ħali area and police recovered the hunting rifle allegedly used in the attack. Appearing in court before Magistrate Abigail Critien, Mangion pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. At one point during proceedings, the elderly man broke down in tears.

The defence, led by Franco Debono and Adreana Zammit, asked the prosecution to confirm that Mifsud had previously been convicted of breaking into Mangion’s home and stealing two years ago. The prosecution confirmed this.

The court also issued a protection order in favour of Mifsud’s family after a request from the prosecution. Magistrate Critien warned Mangion that breaching the order could result in a €7,000 fine or imprisonment.

Mangion was remanded in custody. His lawyers did not request bail at this stage.

Photo credit: TVMnews