A gendarmerie officer has shot dead his colleague and later pulled the trigger on his head, taking his own life.

The premises of the Mbalmayo Gendarmerie Brigade were in a pool of blood of the two officers who were supposed to be on guard. The homicide, according to reports, was a crime of passion.

The author of the crime, sergeant Mbozo’o, who shut on his superior a staff sergeant, reportedly battered and chased away his wife on the eve of the incident. His home was complete disarray with broken furniture showing signs of a scuffle.

He is said to have shown bizarre attitude recently.

The senior divisional officer for Nyong and So'o Division visited the scene of the crime and ordered an administrative investigation.

A judicial investigation was opened by the state Council.

Consternation and sorry gripped the homes of the families of the two officers both of whom are married and fathers.

The latest shooting incident is not the first among uniform officers who incidentally use fire arms against themselves despite measures to enforce discipline within the ranks.