POLICE are investigating a murder and attempted murder case against a police officer attached to the Polokwane municipality after a fatal shooting on New Year's Eve.

During Capricorn FM's New Year's Eve party at the Polokwane Showgrounds on Saturday two groups of men started fighting over a beer and a chair.

During the fracas one group ran to the municipal officer. While they were busy reporting the matter the other group arrived and a fight ensued.

Lieutenant Colonel Moatshe Ngoepe said while trying to separate the two warring groups, the officer's firearm was grabbed from his waist. He had to fight to keep his firearm.

"During the struggle for the officer's firearm a bullet went off and hit one of the group members in the stomach."

The victim, Lazarus Morotola, 21, of Moletji, outside Polokwane, was rushed to Polokwane Hospital where he later died.

Ngoepe said another bullet went off and struck another man on the leg.

He condemned any violence at parties, saying he regretted the death of the victim.