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TOKYO - A GUNMAN suspected of killing two people and wounding six others in a shooting rampage in south-western Japan was later found to have killed himself yesterday.
Masayoshi Magome, 37, was found dead in a pool of blood next to a shotgun near a church not far from his home and about 5 km from the sports club.
A white minivan belonging to the dead man was parked outside the church. In it, police discovered two more shotguns, one airgun and camouflage clothing.
The man was reported to have a permit for four guns.
He was believed to have shot himself with the same shotgun that he had used to kill fishing net maker Yuji Fujimoto, 36, and swimming teacher Mai Kuramoto, 26, during his rampage at the club in Sasebo city on Friday night.
Magome was reported to have entered the club through the front door, wearing camouflage clothing and a full-face helmet.
He then randomly opened fire at people in the lobby and in an adjoining office, before moving to the pool area where a swimming class for children was going on.
The swimming teacher was reportedly shot as she tried to flee with some of the children.
The injuries of the wounded, including two children, were not life-threatening.
The gunman later fled through a back door.
The motive for the killings is still not clear.
But the shooting of Mr Fujimoto appeared to have been planned as the gunman was reported to have arranged to meet him in the club lobby. They were close friends.
Police are said to be trying to determine if there was any trouble between the two former school mates.
The incident, which topped television news bulletins, has shaken the city of Sasebo, which has a population of 260,000 and is host to huge naval facilities used by both the Japanese Self Defence Force and the US naval forces.
All primary schools in the city were ordered to suspend club activities yesterday. An event at a local shopping mall was also cancelled, as a mark of respect to the victims.
The shooting has also raised questions about the screening process carried out by the authorities before issuing gun permits.
Although the Japanese are barred by law from possessing guns, it is said to be relatively easy to obtain a gun permit for hunting or target shooting.
Last year, a total of 264,000 shotguns and 41,000 rifles were registered in Japan.
An applicant must not have a criminal record, or a history of drug-taking or alcoholism. A doctor must also certify that the applicant is mentally sound.
Only last month, the Japanese parliament had revised gun laws to impose stiffer punishments on the use of guns for purposes other than hunting or target shooting.
wengkin@sph.com.sg
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