A POLICEMAN was killed in a shootout with eight men in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal police said.

A POLICEMAN was killed in a shootout with eight men in Jozini, KwaZulu-Natal police said.

Three policemen were performing a routine patrol of the area at about 7am yesterday when they came across a Combi whose occupants were acting suspiciously, Brigadier Phindile Radebe said.

"As they approached the vehicle it is alleged that the occupants opened fire on the police, wounding Constable Malusi Mchunu."

Mchunu was rushed to the nearest hospital but later died of his injuries.

The driver of the Combi was also shot and killed as he tried to wrestle a gun from another police officer on the scene.

Four people were later arrested for their involvement in the shooting and charged with murder.

"The other three are still at large," said Radebe.

Police were trying to establish whether they were linked to other crimes. They would appear in court soon. - Sapa