A metro police officer shot dead an armed robbery suspect in Delft on Sunday morning.
The officer was on patrol along Delft Main Road just after 6.30am when he saw two gunmen chasing another man. One of the suspects fired a shot at the person they were chasing and the officer intervened, the City of Cape Town reported.
He identified himself just as the suspect was about to fire off a second round, which resulted in the gunmen running away.
The officer pursued them, but they started shooting at him. He retaliated and shot one of the suspects. The second man got away.
Police confiscated a 9mm firearm found on the scene. The suspect died on the scene, as did the victim.
It later emerged that the recovered firearm was reported stolen in a house break-in in Swellendam on Friday.
Police have launched a manhunt for the second suspect and call on witnesses to come forward with information.
The metro police officer is receiving trauma counselling and support from the department.