All five would-be robbers intercepted by police in Durban on Friday afternoon have been accounted for - either because they were killed in an accident or shootout, or because they were arrested.

Police intercepted the men the N2 near Riverhorse Valley in the north of Durban when the men were allegedly on their way to commit a house robbery. According to a well-placed police source, officials intercepted their car, a white Mercedes, and a shootout ensued. They veered into oncoming traffic.

A hail of bullets claimed the lives of two of the five suspects and injured a third who was arrested. Two more then fled into the bush.

Police launched a manhunt for the two men. According to Kyle van Reenen of Marshall Security, who was on the scene, one of the men was later found dead. The final suspected robber, who was injured, was arrested.

Rescue Care spokesperson Garrith Jamieson said a woman whose car was hit by the out-of-control vehicles was treated by medics, as were two injured police officers.

By 3.30pm, the N2 highway was still closed in both directions in the vicinity of the incident.