POLICE said yesterday their investigations into Monday night’s murder of 37-year-old Polis Potamitis are bringing up new evidence now in the hands of Limassol CID.
Police are now in possession of the car they suspect was used in the killing of Potamitis, who was shot 11 times from close range outside his parent’s house as he was getting out of his jeep.
Potamitis, a boxing instructor and gym owner, was killed in cold blood in a murder, which has shocked the local community. Police believe that Potamitis, who made headlines after embarking on a solo motorbike trek across Africa, was not involved in any criminal activities, but was friends with a suspect currently in remand for the attempted murder of cabaret owner Yiannakis Omirou.
Limassol CID have also been helped by statements from close fiends of Potamitis, who have named around six people who wanted the former boxing champion dead.
According to one witness, Potamitis had told him that around six specific people wanted him dead and that he had been informed that ‘they were watching his every move’. Police suspect the people named may be related to earlier crimes.
The Chief of Limassol CID Nicos Sofocleous told reporters that the new evidence was a significant step towards finding the culprits responsible for Potamitis’ death, adding that he was upbeat after the discovery of the car used in the crime.
“The investigations are on the right path and I believe we are close to solving the case. On Tuesday night and after a tip-off from a civilian, we located a rented vehicle parked in the Amathus area in Limassol and the car has already been taken in for examination.”
State Coroner Sofoclis Sofocleous confirmed that a total of 11 bullets were taken out of Ptamitis’ body, while a total of 18 bullet shells were found at the scene of the crime.
“The 37-year-old’s death was a result of heavy head injuries sustained from gunshots. The weapon used was a Scorpio pistol.”
Limassol CID yesterday confirmed that the pistol used in the killing, which has yet to be found, has not been used in any other crime on the island in the past.
Limassol on alert
THE ASSISTANT to the Chief of Operations Nicos Stelikos told state radio yesterday that the police were taking no chances in the aftermath of the murder.
“As of Monday, we have had police officers on alert in Limassol, while we have also increased the police presence in the area ahead of any possible event or retaliation for the recent murders to hit the area.
“There was the possibility that the recent spate of murders would have been met with retaliation from other groups. It appears the murder of Polis Potamitis is just such retaliation.”
Justice Minister Doros Theodorou told the Cyprus Mail that there would be an increase in Rapid Reaction Unit Officers (MMAD) on the streets of Limassol.
“Obviously, the latest wave of such incidents, especially in the Limassol area has prompted the police to increase their presence in the area. MMAD has already made steps to put a tighter surveillance in Limassol.”
Theodorou denied the spate of murders in Limassol and Nicosia were a grim sign of worse days yet to come.
“I wouldn’t say the problem is as huge as some are suggesting, but it is obviously a concern for us all. Although I will not comment on the most recent killing, it has become a worry for the police that we have recently seen an increase in gang-related incidents.
“However, there has also been an increase in the fight against such crimes. I do not believe that we will be overwhelmed by crimes like these.”
Guns discovered
POLICE discovered two pistols on Monday night believed to have been the weapons used in the recent wave of murders and the attempted murder of cabaret owner Yiannakis Omirou. Limassol CID Chief Nicos Sofocleous said yesterday: “after intense investigations we managed to find two pistols, one of which was a pistol that was used in three previous crimes and the other most likely used in an attempted murder. I believe it is a significant find that will hopefully help solve many other crimes that have been occurring. We are expecting the results from pistol examinations any time now and we should be seeing some more arrests in the near future.”
Justice Minister Doros Theodorou was optimistic that the guns would help catch those responsible for the recent murders in Limassol and Nicosia.
Speaking to the Cyprus Mail, Theodorou said: “The recent discovery of the guns in Limassol is a significant step in the investigations and I am confident that the blood being spilt on the streets will now start decreasing.”
