Two robbers were shot dead by police after a house robbery in Mbazwana near Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu-Natal police said on Friday.

"Two men were shot dead by police in Mbazwana area after they had allegedly robbed a residential area on Thursday," said Captain Thulani Zwane.

Captain Jabulani Mdletshe said three armed men allegedly robbed a house and took various goods, including a firearm.

"They fled the scene. Once they had left people working in the house alerted the police of what had happened.

"Police followed a lead and chased the men. The suspects fired shots at police," said Mdletshe.

He said police responded, shooting dead two men. The third man was in a serious condition and was taken to hospital.

"All stolen goods were recovered except for the firearm. The suspect informed the police that they threw the gun in the bush. It was too heavy to carry when they were being chased by police," said Mdletshe.

The third man was under police guard, he said.