A taxi driver was shot dead during a high-speed car chase with police in Durban central on Monday evening, paramedics said.

"The taxi driver was being chased down West street when police shot him. He lost control of the vehicle and drove through an Edgars entrance, striking eight people," said Netcare911 spokesperson Jeff Wicks.

The taxi came to a stop inside the shop and the driver died at the scene.

Wicks said it was unclear at this stage why the taxi driver was being chased.