A security guard and bystander were shot dead in a cash-in-transit heist at a shopping mall in Harare near Khayelitsha on Friday, Western Cape police said.

Captain Bernadine Steyn said two security guards went into the mall with a cash-trolley carrying an undisclosed amount of money, another went to the ATM and a fourth one stood guard.

"Shots were heard during which one of the security guards who stood guard sustained a gun shot wound in his head and died on the scene.

"A male bystander sustained a gunshot wound in his chest and also died on the scene. Another guard sustained a gunshot wound in his left leg."

Steyn said one of the suspects also sustained gun shot wound in his neck.

"He is currently in a serious condition in hospital under police guard.

"The circumstances surrounding the incident are still unclear and being investigated," she said.

Steyn said it was unknown how many suspects were involved but they fled in a white Bantam bakkie with the cash-trolley and an assault rifle belonging to one of the guards. "Shortly after the incident the bakkie was found abandoned in Khayelitsha. It was confirmed that the bakkie was reported stolen earlier this month in Kensington."