Policeman commits suicide after killing kids, in-law

A policeman with the Tema Regional Rapid Deployment Force (RDF) unit, Constable Amuzu Monday evening shot dead his two young children and mother-in-law before turning the gun on himself in an apparent murder-suicide.

It is unclear what his motivation was but sources close to the horrific incident which occurred at the Kpone Barrier police quarters say his wife, a nursing mother, narrowly escaped with her life.

Constable Amuzu who was expected to be on night patrol duties, had booked the rifle from the SWAT armoury but failed to proceed on duty and rather went home to wipe out his family.

The uniformed policeman wearing his helmet shot and killed instantly his mother-in-law who was bathing his baby, shot the baby and the elder child, a boy of about two years before shooting himself.

Sources at the tragic scene claimed the policeman was abusive of his wife and that on a recent late evening surprise visit by the Inspector General of Police, John Kudalor to the Tema Regional Police headquarters, he had met a woman lodging a complaint of assault at the nearby Railways & Port  Police Station where Amuzu was stationed.

They alleged when the IGP inquired and was told the suspect was an officer, he allegedly directed his detention overnight until he was given bail the next day.

The sources could not however, link that incident to the murder-suicide.