Three suspects were shot & killed & 7 arrested after they were cut off by police officers before attempting to rob a cash-in-transit vehicle on the N2 at Staffords Post near Harding, in KwaZulu Natal, according to the police in a statement on Friday.

South African Police Services spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said the incident took place on Friday morning at around 06:30am.Police units stationed in close proximity responded & intercepted the 3 vehicles which were a Ford Territory SUV, a Toyota Hilux Legend & a BMW sedan.

Police were able to prevent the robbery of the cash-in-transit vehicle. A total of four AK 47 rifles, a 9mm pistol & additional rifle was seized by police.

KwaZulu-Natal Acting Provincial Commissioner, Major General Bheki Langa, condemned the attack on police officers."We are grateful that our police officers were not killed or injured following this shoot-out with highly armed criminals, even though our SAPS vehicles were damaged in the process.