Police launch probe into suspected suicide by constable, 32,

The motive of the suicide was not immediately established. [Courtesy]

Police in Mombasa are investigating what could have led one of their own to shoot himself dead.

Police constable Jacob Masha is said to have locked himself in a room at Makupa police line and turned the gun on himself.

Masha, 32, shot himself in the chin and died instantly.

The body was taken to Coast General Hospital mortuary.

Regional police commander Manase Musyoka said an inquest file on the death had been opened.

According to police reports, when his neighbour, Police Constable Francis Mngola heard the sound of a gunshot from Masha's room at the police line on Sunday evening, he called his colleagues. 

Officers, including Makupa police station chief, broke into the room and found Masha dead.

The G3 rifle Masha had used was recovered.

The motive of the suicide was not immediately established, as he did not leave a suicide note.