Residents in Melville Street had their sleep broken late on Wednesday evening when an off-duty policeman fired a shot during an argument with a neighbour over loud music.
Those who spoke to the Courier said the silent night was shattered at about 10:45pm by incessant car hooting.
This was followed by raised voices, and then a shot was fired.
Police were on the scene within minutes, but were prevented from gaining access to the house where the culprit lived by a lock and chain on the gate, residents reported.
More policemen arrived, and attempts were made to calm the off-duty policeman down.
After about two hours they left the house without removing the policeman.
The neighbour, with whom the policeman had quarrelled, was seen trying to persuade police to have the man arrested.
Police spokesman in Durban, Captain Thulani Zwane, confirmed that a case of negligent discharging of a firearm was opened at the Dundee police station for further investigation after the incident.
“No arrest has been made at this stage. The matter will be investigated internally, and departmental steps will be taken against the member,” said Captain Zwane.