Mbeya — TWO people, including a police officer, have been killed during a shootout between police and suspected armed robbers who allegedly made away with 2.2m/- at Matundas Petrol Station in Chunya District.

Deputy Mbeya Regional Police Commander Barakael Masaki named the deceased as a police officer with No. G.68 PC Japhari Mohamed (30), who was working at Mkwajuni police post and suspected robber, Shaban Msule (33), a resident of Makambako.

He said the incident occurred on Tuesday night when police from Mkwajuni police post, who were in a patrol were informed that four robbers had grabbed 2.2m/- at Matundasi Petrol Station and that the money belonged to one Samora Muyombe.

Mr Masaki said police followed up the tip-off and suddenly came face to face with the suspected robbers who were in a Toyota Corolla with Registration Number. T 227 BST driven by Shaban Msule. He said during the shootout, the police officer was shot on his right side.

He later died as he was receiving medical treatment at Mwambani Hospital in Mkwajuni Chunya. He also said that during the shootout, one suspected robber, who was driving the getaway car, died. The other three robbers escaped.