Investigators are seeking answers as to what motive led a police officer to shoot his wife in Zakaki, Limassol, with inquiries reportedly focusing, among other things, on possible financial difficulties faced by the couple.
The violent incident occurred shortly before 7am on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, when the 55-year-old police officer, who was serving in the Port and Marine Police, allegedly shot his 46-year-old wife before taking his own life using his service pistol.
The 55-year-old man is alleged to have used his service weapon to shoot his wife and then turned the gun on himself.
According to information available so far, the couple met at the scene after arriving in two separate vehicles and were involved in an argument beforehand. Reports indicate that their home is located close to where the incident unfolded. The couple had two children together, while each also had a child from a previous relationship.
Investigators are attempting to determine the officer’s motive, with reports suggesting that possible financial problems experienced by the couple are among the issues under examination. According to the information available, these difficulties may have contributed to a serious disagreement and argument between them.
“He was holding her by the neck”: He threatened the witness with a gun, then shot her and took his own life
An eyewitness who was driving through the area said he heard shouting and made a U-turn. According to his account, he saw the police officer holding the woman by the neck and told him to let her go.
“He told me, ‘Get out of here, she’s my wife.’ Then he turned to her and said, ‘Tell him I’m not hurting you and that you’re my wife.’ She wasn’t speaking, but she was making gestures towards me and asking for help,” the witness said.
According to the same witness, the officer then removed his service pistol from his waist, pointed it at him and threatened him, saying: “Get out of here or I’ll shoot you.”
The witness claimed that the officer immediately afterwards shot his wife once in the head and three times in the body before shooting himself. He said everything happened in the middle of the road while the officer was wearing his uniform.
The witness further clarified that the officer was seated in the front passenger seat while the woman was driving. The officer’s own vehicle was found parked at the same location.
He reported for duty, collected his service weapon and then went to the scene
Speaking from the scene, Limassol Police Director Stelios Aristeidou said police received a report at 6:45am about a vehicle parked outside a school. Police officers and an ambulance were dispatched to the location, where they found a man showing no signs of life and an injured woman.
He said the man was a member of the police force who had reported for duty at around 6:07am and had been issued his service pistol, which is believed to have been used in the incident.
Mr Aristeidou noted that there is currently no information regarding the circumstances under which the two individuals met, as the investigation remains at a very early stage. He also confirmed that the couple arrived at the location in separate vehicles, although the incident took place inside the same vehicle and in the presence of witnesses.
He added that statements will be taken from eyewitnesses as well as from colleagues of the officer. So far, there is no evidence indicating any previous similar incidents or related complaints.
He further stated that before leaving his workplace in his private vehicle, the 55-year-old informed colleagues that he would return within five minutes.
The area remains cordoned off by police while investigations into the exact circumstances of the case continue.
