Johannesburg- Eight suspected robbers were shot dead and a passing motorist, a bystander and a policeman were wounded in a shootout Friday morning in Durban after a butchery shop heist.

The South African news agency Sapa cited police spokesman Inspector Michael Read that the heavily-armed gang robbed the Chicago butchery in the port city and then fled.

"After the robbery, the registration of the car was circulated on police radio when the car was spotted by members of the Durban Flying Squad in the Umbilo area.," the spokesmans said.

A car chase ensued, with the suspects opening fire on police and police returning the fire, killing all eight suspected robbers. (dpa)