Two suspects were fatally shot in a shootout with police in Empangeni on Monday after being found in possession of a stolen bakkie.

KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said officers on routine patrols spotted the vehicle parked in a sugarcane field along Old Mtubatuba Road.

As police approached, the suspects opened fire, prompting a shootout.

Both suspects sustained fatal gunshot wounds.

“Two firearms and several rounds of ammunition were found in their possession,” Netshiunda confirmed.

Preliminary investigations revealed the bakkie had been stolen during a house robbery in KwaMsane on Friday.

The two suspects were also found to have active warrants for murder. No police officers were injured during the incident.