Police in Blantyre have shot and killed a suspected hardcore criminal, recovering a gun, three rounds of live ammunition, a police uniform, handcuffs, and a teargas launcher with five canisters.

National police spokesman Peter Kalaya said these items were stolen from Nyungwi Police Unit in Chiradzulu.

The suspect, Mike Banda, 36, and his accomplices allegedly attacked a police officer and stole these items.

During a recovery operation, Banda attempted to escape, prompting the officers to fire two fatal rounds.

This is the third incident this year where officers have fatally shot suspects.