Johannesburg - Three rhino poachers were shot dead in a confrontation with game rangers at the Kruger National Park on Wednesday evening, the Hawks said.
Captain Paul Ramaloko said that around 6pm the rangers heard a gunshot, which alerted them to the poachers' presence.
They found three Mozambican men, in their 20s, and a shootout ensued.
None of the rangers was wounded, Ramaloko said.
A hunting rifle and ammunition were found at the scene.
He said the rangers could not find any dead or wounded rhino in the area, but were keeping watch. - Sapa