A taxi driver was shot dead by two police reservists after he tried to hijack them in the Joburg CBD, Gauteng police said on Saturday.

Spokesperson Director Govindsamy Mariemuthoo said three men alleged to be taxi drivers approached the two police reservists who had been patrolling the streets of Johannesburg on Friday night, with an intention to hijack them.

"The reservists fired a shot and one suspect was hit by a bullet on the head while others ran way. The injured suspect was taken to the Joburg hospital where he died," said Mariemuthoo.

Police are investigating, he said.

Sapa