Three suspected poachers were shot and killed in the Kruger National Park at the weekend, SANParks said yesterday.
A fourth member of the group was critically wounded during an exchange of fire on Saturday night, said SANParks spokesman Reynold Thakhuli.
A fifth man escaped.
Thakhuli said two park rangers were patrolling when they were confronted by the group.
A shoot-out ensued and three armed men were killed.
Two hunting rifles, an AK-47 assault rifle, a pistol and an assortment of ammunition were found in their possession.
A rhino horn and other poaching equipment were also found.
In another incident on Saturday, four suspected poachers were arrested at the Kruger Park. They were in possession of a hunting rifle, ammunition and poaching equipment.