Police officer killed in attempted robbery

A police officer was killed in an alleged attempted robbery at a supermarket in Dobsonville, Soweto, police said on Monday.

"Police had received information about the planned robbery at around 4am on Monday and went to the area before the alleged robbers arrived," said spokeswoman Lt-Col Katlego Mogale.

"While observing, police were fired upon by the six suspects in three vehicles -- a silver blue BMW, a white minibus, and a blue Toyota Camry. A shoot-out ensued and a police officer and a suspect were shot dead."

Two of the suspects were arrested on the scene. One was also treated for minor injuries. Police were looking for three suspects who managed to escape.

A 9mm unlicensed firearm was seized, said Mogale.

The two men are expected to appear in the Protea Magistrate's Court soon to face charges of conspiracy to commit an armed robbery and possession of unlicensed firearms.