AN ARMED robbery suspect was shot dead and his accomplice seriously injured during a shootout with police in Umlazi's Philani area.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Buhle Ngidi said the shootout happened after three men robbed a supermarket yesterday morning.

"Three suspects, all armed with firearms, entered Thokozani Supermarket in Malukazi at about 7am.

"They robbed the supermarket of an undisclosed amount of money and fled in a white Toyota Tazz that had been reported hijacked," said Ngidi.

He said after the three had fled, one community member notified police, who responded immediately.

A high-speed chase then ensued.

"The suspects drove towards Umlazi, and after a while police were able to corner them at Philani.

"Realizing that they have been cornered, the suspects abandoned the gateway car and ran towards nearby houses.

"One of the suspects, who was hiding behind one of the houses, opened fire at police, who retaliated, killing him instantly," he said.

Ngidi said another suspect who also opened fire at the police, was also shot. But he survived and was rushed to hospital where he is under police guard.

"A third suspect is still at large. A hijacked car, an undisclosed amount of money, three firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition were recovered," he said.

Ngidi said one police officer was shot but was not seriously hurt.

"We are investigating a case of armed robbery and attempted murder," he said.

Meanwhile, a 37-year-old man who refused to hand over his cellphone and wallet to robbers was shot dead on Sunday at the Gugulethu area of KwaMsane in Mtubatuba, northern Zululand.

Police spokesperson Captain Jabulani Mdletshe said one of Christopher Mbuyazi's robbers was injured when his accomplice mistakenly shot him.

Mdletshe said one of the bullets aimed at Mbuyazi accidentally hit one of the alleged robbers, who sustained serious injury.

"Mbuyazi died on his way to hospital while the robber was taken to hospital," Mdletshe said.