A group of six men who tried to rob a general dealer in Epping, Cape Town on Friday, were career criminals, the Hawks have said.

Four of the six had criminal histories dating back to 1990, spokesperson Brigadier Hangwani Mulaudzi said.

Police shot and killed three of them, seriously injured a fourth, and arrested the other two while they were waiting in their getaway cars.

They allegedly tried to rob the Giants Hyper in Benbow Avenue, Epping, on Friday afternoon. Police confiscated four firearms and four cars, one of which had been stolen in Cape Town.

The three men who were arrested, and one of those killed, were aged between 42 and 53.

The 42-year-old was linked to more than 26 cases, including business robberies, housebreaking, and cash-in-transit robberies. He allegedly masterminded several jewellery shop robberies in the province.

The 52-year-old, who was in hospital, was released on parole last year. He was linked to 10 cases, including car theft, armed robbery, drug possession, and murder.

Two of the men were expected to appear in the Goodwood Magistrate’s Court on Monday. News24