An alleged armed robber was killed in a shootout in Kempton Park outside Benoni, police said on Monday.

Captain Jethro Mtshali said police found two men trying to rob a bakkie driver of his vehicle and possessions at around 3am on Sunday.

Police had earlier spoken to the driver who they had found parked on the side of the road.

"He said he was stuck without petrol. They offered assistance and went to buy petrol for him at the filling station," said Mtshali.

When police returned, they found the attackers in the act.

"The robbers fired shots at police and damaged the police vehicle. They tried to run away but one of them was shot in the upper face and he died on the scene," said Mtshali.

A 9mm pistol without a serial number was found on the dead man.

"We are still searching for the other suspect," said Mtshali.

A case of armed robbery, malicious damage to property and attempted murder were opened.

The Independent Police Investigative Directorate was also investigating the incident.