Two men were killed, another critically injured and two other suspects arrested during an operation by a police special task force in Soshanguve near Pretoria on Tuesday, national police said.

Captain Dennis Adriao said police received information from their bank reaction unit and "high-tech" centre about the possible robbery of a business in Soshanguve on Tuesday.

A special task force patrolling Soshanguve spotted two vehicles — a silver Toyota Tazz and a blue Nissan Almera mentioned in police intelligence — around 12.30pm.

When police approached the Toyota it sped off. Police gave chase.

During the chase the occupants of the Toyota started firing at police who returned fire, killing two men and critically wounding a third.

The two men in the Nissan were arrested without incident.

No police officers or members of the public were injured during the incident, Adriao said.

The ages of the five men ranged from 25- to 35. Police found three handguns with the serial numbers filed off in their possession.

The Toyota Tazz was positively identified as having been hijacked in Soshanguve in December 2008 and the Nissan Almera was found to have been hijacked in Soshanguve a few days ago.

The gang was believed to be responsible for robberies in and around Soshanguve and other areas of Pretoria.

Investigations would determine if the men were linked to other robberies and whether the firearms seized had been used during any other crimes.

The three surviving men would be charged with possession of stolen motor vehicles, possession of unlicensed firearms and attempted murder.

Sapa

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