Policeman commits suicide by shooting himself

Residents of Old Tafo Mile 3 in Kumasi woke up this morning to news of the shocking death of a police corporal who shot himself in the vicinity.

Corporal Ebenezer Okyere 35, of the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit, shot himself with an AK 47 rifle in his possession in a rented apartment.

He was said to have asked his wife to leave the room moments after picking a phone call at about 6:30 a.m.

The late Corporal Okyere is a native of Nsuta-Kwamang in the Sekyere Central District of Ashanti Region.

He was posted to the then Buffalo Unit after he passed out from the Police Training School in Kumasi in December 2008.

He worked there until the unit was re-organized into the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT). He has since been with SWAT unit.

Team from the homicide department met his lifeless body in a sitting posture, with his head resting on an arm of the sofa.

His ironed police uniform and the AK47 assault rifle believed to have been used to commit suicide also laid on the floor of the room.

The late Corporal Okyere has been on patrol duties with officials of the Forestry Commission since Monday, officials of the Commission have confirmed.

Nhyira News checks revealed he was dropped-off  at home on Tuesday morning after reporting on Monday.

He was expected back at the Abuakwa Forestry Barrier Wednesday morning when news  of his demise reached officials of the Forestry Commission.

Meanwhile, the Regional Police Command is yet to issue official statement.

Public Relations Officer, ASP Juliana Obeng said the command will brief the media after meeting the bereaved family.