Durban – A shootout between police and three suspects who allegedly robbed a woman at gunpoint resulted in the death of one suspect in Clermont, Durban, on Friday, police said on Monday.

The three suspects, one of whom is a police officer, allegedly forced a 28-year-old woman into their car after they spotted her walking alone on a road in New Germany, eThekwini.

"They robbed the woman of her cellphone and she managed to open the door and got out of the vehicle," said spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala.

"The suspects then fled the crime scene in their getaway vehicle."

A police officer witnessed the incident and pursued the suspects to the Clermont area.

"The suspects fired shots at the police officer who also retaliated, fatally wounding one suspect," said Gwala.

Warning to 'criminals hiding behind SAPS badges'

"With the help of the K9 unit another suspect, who is a police officer stationed at KwaMashu, was arrested while the third suspect managed to flee the scene."

KwaZulu-Natal acting police commissioner Major General Bheki Langa praised the police officer for his quick response to the robbery.

"This incident once again proves that police are strategically placed to tackle criminal activity in our society," said Langa.

"This arrest will serve as warning to other criminals who are hiding behind our SAPS badge.

"The vast majority of our police officers are principled and will not hesitate to arrest any person who commits crime. Nobody is untouchable."

The 27-year-old officer appeared in the Pinetown Magistrate's Court on charges of robbery and attempted murder.