• Two suspected robbers have been killed in a shootout with KwaZulu-Natal police.
• The men stormed a business in Estcourt and stole various items, including cellphones and cash.
• Police intercepted the men on the M13 in Durban, where they were killed.

Two alleged robbers died on the M13 highway in Durban following a high-speed chase and shootout with police on Thursday night.

Police said the men allegedly stormed a business premises in the Estcourt CBD in KwaZulu-Natal and stole a variety of cellphones and cash.

Police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo said the robbers fled the scene in a getaway vehicle.

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“Police were immediately alerted, and information was shared with neighbouring stations and units. Information was received that the vehicle was heading towards Durban.”

Ngcobo said that at around 19:00, police officers from the Phoenix Task Team spotted the robbers’ vehicle along the M13 and a chase ensued.

“The suspects fled towards the St John’s on-ramp, where there was a shootout. Two suspects sustained fatal injuries and were declared dead at the scene. A 9mm pistol with 14 rounds of ammunition was found next to the deceased suspects,” Ngcobo said.

Police recovered several cellphones that were stolen in the robbery in Estcourt, Ngcobo said.

“The investigation conducted at the scene revealed that the firearm was taken during a robbery in KwaMashu last month.”

Charges of attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession of stolen property were opened at Pinetown police station.

“It is believed that one of the suspects managed to flee during the shootout and is currently being sought by police,” Ngcobo said.