Two men were shot and killed during a shootout with the police after they allegedly robbed a garage in Carolina, Mpumalanga police said on Monday.

Superintendent Abie Khoabane said five men robbed an Engen garage of an undisclosed amount of money and airtime vouchers on Sunday.

"Their getaway car was later stopped by traffic officers for reckless driving. The driver stopped and robbed the traffic officer of his firearm and sped off."

Khoabane said the traffic officers called for back up and the car was followed by police and the traffic department.

"Occupants of the vehicle fired shots at the officers and a shootout ensued," Khoabane said.

The robbers abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. One body was discovered on Sunday after the shootout.

"Police who were visiting the crime scene on Monday morning found another body, with money and airtime vouchers next to it."

Khoabane said three men were still at large and police were investigating.

A female officer was in a critical condition in a Middleburg hospital, said Khoabane.

Police opened two murder cases, a case of attempted murder, two armed robbery cases and a case of reckless driving.

Sapa