Two Johannesburg metro police officers foiled an armed robbery at a stationery shop in Planet Road, Amalgam on Tuesday morning.

"One officer unknowingly walked into the building at around 8.15am and saw people lying on the floor and he immediately drew his firearm and moved backwards. He tripped and fell in the process," spokesman Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar said.

"One of the suspects grabbed the officer's firearm and a shoot-out took place with the other officer from the patrol car. Five suspects managed to escape."

He said with the help of a SA Police Service helicopter, two men were arrested in an open veld close to Crown Mines golf course.

Two firearms, including the officer's firearm, were recovered.

The men were charged with armed robbery, theft, attempted murder and possession of illegal arms and ammunition, said Minnaar.

The men were expected to appear in court soon.

No money was taken and no one was injured expect for an officer who sustained an injury when he dived for cover during the shoot-out, he said.