An off-duty Durban metro police officer allegedly murdered his wife, before killing himself in Montclair on Friday, KwaZulu Natal police said.

"The incident took place at 8.30am this morning at their home," said Director Phindile Radebe.

She said the officer used his service pistol to shoot his wife in the head, body and chest before turning the gun on himself.

"Their neighbours alerted police after hearing the gunshots.

"We are not sure if the couple were arguing at the time of the incident or not."

Police were investigating, she said.