Five robbers were shot dead by police in Ohlange in Inanda, Durban police said on Saturday.

"On Friday at 10:30pm police received a report that a house in the Ohlange area was attacked by five men," Superintendent Jay Naicker said.

"The men fired shots outside the house before breaking in and removing a bed from the house. The suspects were seen fleeing in a white Ford Bantam."

Police were dispatched to the area and spotted the vehicle near Dube Mall.

When confronted, the men jumped out of their vehicle and opened fire on police officers.

"There was an exchange of gunfire and all five suspects were ," said Naicker.

"An Uzi automatic firearm and a shotgun were recovered. The bed that was stolen was also recovered from the vehicle."

None of the policemen were injured in the shootout.

All five men were in their thirties.

Cases of house breaking, theft, attempted murder and inquest for investigation, has been opened, Naicker said. - Sapa