New Zealander involved in shooting two children named by Swedish community

Warning: This article contains disturbing content

The man at the centre of an attack on two girls in Sweden is understood to be New Zealander Maui Koopu, who moved to Sweden more than a decade ago with his now ex-wife.

At least one of the girls is reported to be fighting for her life in hospital, the other left with critical injuries, after being shot by Koopu, who then allegedly killed himself.

Swedish sources have named Koopu as the man at the centre of police investigations into the violence.

He was understood to be the injured children’s father.

The incident, which happened on June 13 at a villa near the small town of Alvesta, was being treated as a double attempted murder according to Swedish media reports.

Court documents also show his ex-wife had filed for divorce after a two-year separation last year but he had unsuccessfully attempted to contest this action in two higher courts.

A spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the government department is in contact with the family of a New Zealand citizen.

Kiwi man Maui Koopu lived in the village of Lekaryd in Alvesta, Sweden.

According to local media, the children’s mother had warned social services just days before the tragedy that Koopu had behaved aggressively.

In March last year, police began looking into allegations that Koopu had abused his former wife, but that investigation closed after one month, Swedish newspaper Smalandsposten reported.

Case papers with the Vaxjo District Court in Sweden showed his wife filed for divorce in June. Koopu twice appealed the application – once in August to the Court of Appeal, then again to the Supreme Court in December. He was denied both requests.

The couple’s divorce was reportedly finalised last Thursday, just two days before the attack. The divorce papers confirmed the couple had been living apart for more than two years, which met the criteria for a granting a divorce judgement.

Neither parent requested dissolution of the joint custody of the children.

The family's home in Lekaryd was built by Maui Koopu. Photo / Google Maps

A spokesperson with the Municipal Council of Alvesta told the Herald the matter was “currently being investigated by the police”.

“This tragic event has naturally affected the community deeply. Alvesta is a small municipality where many people know one another, and we are all saddened by what has happened.

“The municipality, together with the local church, has activated crisis support services and is currently providing support to family members, friends and residents affected by this incident.

“Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted during this difficult time.”

Swedish police confirmed the man and girls knew each other but would not comment on their identity as it was an active investigation.

No one else had been sought in relation to the shooting.

In an earlier article by local newspaper Smalandsposten it was reported the Koopus lived in New Zealand for 12 years before moving to the wife’s home village of Lekaryd in 2013, a couple of years after the birth of their first child.

Koopu claimed they would benefit from being closer to family and would have the opportunity to build their own home. It was reported he was a contractor who built their Sweden family home by hand.

Smalandsposten said when a 4000 square metre plot of land nearby the wife’s childhood home became available, the couple took the leap.

Koopu said he worked 14 hours a day, seven days a week for over a year to complete the grand family home in 2018.

The home was described in the article as a fairy-tale, turn-of-the-century-style home with stark differences to most homes in the area.

How to get help:
If you're in danger now:
• Phone the police on 111 or ask neighbours or friends to ring for you.
• Run outside and head for where there are other people. Scream for help so your neighbours can hear you.
• Take the children with you. Don't stop to get anything else.
• If you are being abused, remember it's not your fault. Violence is never okay.
Where to go for help or more information:
• Women's Refuge: Crisis line - 0800 REFUGE or 0800 733 843 (available 24/7)
• Shine: Helpline - 0508 744 633 (available 24/7)
• It's Not Ok: Family violence information line - 0800 456 450
• Shakti: Specialist services for African, Asian and Middle Eastern women and children.
• Crisis line - 0800 742 584 (available 24/7)
• Ministry of Justice: For information on family violence
• Te Kupenga Whakaoti Mahi Patunga: National Network of Family Violence Services
• White Ribbon: Aiming to eliminate men's violence towards women.
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