A manhunt has been launched for a man who shot and killed an off-duty police officer in the KwaNgcolosi area near Hillcrest in KZN last night.

Police have opened a murder case for investigation following the incident.

According to KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda, the 34-year-old police officer, who was stationed at Mariannhill Public Order Policing, was killed in a road rage incident.

“The officer was driving from a wedding with his wife when another motorist drove recklessly and blocked his path. An altercation reportedly ensued, and the driver of the other vehicle pulled out a gun.”

He said the officer, who was still in his car, pulled out his private firearm, but the suspect was allegedly the first one to fire several shots at him, and he was declared dead at the scene.

He added that his wife, who was sitting in the back seat, escaped unharmed.

Police investigate officer who shot girlfriend dead

Meanwhile, in a separate incident, Inanda police are investigating charges of murder, attempted murder, and an inquest after a man fatally shot a woman before allegedly turning a gun on himself following an argument on Friday.

The incident happened in the Emachobeni area of Inanda.

According to Netshiunda, another person was shot in the arm as he tried to intervene, and was taken to hospital for medical attention.