JOHANNESBURG - A Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) cop, who walked in on a robbery in progress at a famous food outlet in the Lyttelton area in Pretoria, was shot dead and his service pistol stolen by the armed robbers before they fled..

Spokesperson to the Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Samkelo Mgobozi on Thursday said "the City of Tshwane is still in great shock by the killing of an officer last night while in the line of duty".

"The officer was on his way to book off duty and he passed by one of the famous food outlets in the Lyttelton area at around 21h10. There was an armed robbery in progress inside the food outlet and the officer was shot and killed as he entered. They took his official firearm and sped off," said Mgobozi.

"It is alleged that three suspects robbed the food outlet ... of an undisclosed amount of money. A case of murder and armed robbery has been opened."

The City of Tshwane said it was "deeply saddened" and strongly condemns the killing of "our officers".

"I, on behalf of the City, would like to extend my sincerest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones as well as his colleagues at the Tshwane Metro Police Department for their loss," said Tshwane Mayor Solly Msimanga.

"We appeal to members of the public who might have any information regarding this incident to contact SA Police Service (SAPS) and Metro Police at 012 358 7095/6 or 012 358 2124.

"We will work very hard with SAPS to apprehend the culprits and ensure that they are brought to book."