A poacher was shot dead by police after he was found hunting rhino in Komatipoort, Mpumalanga police said on Tuesday.

"Acting on information, police spotted two armed men hunting for rhinos in Komatipoort on Monday. They started running after seeing police. A shoot out ensued between the poachers and the police," said Superintendent Abie Khoabane.

One of the men was shot dead while the second managed to escape.

Police were still searching for him, said Khoabane.

Sapa