Five members of the South African military have been killed in a helicopter crash at the Kruger National Park, officials said.

The helicopter was patrolling the Kruger National Park on Saturday evening looking for rhino poachers.

The helicopter was patrolling the Kruger National Park on Saturday evening looking for rhino poachers

The patrol was routine and an investigation is under way.

The poaching of rhinos is rampant in South Africa. Their horns are sold in Asia, where some believe they have medicinal purposes, although there is no evidence to support it.

The South African Broadcasting Corporation quoted Brig. Gen. Xolani Mabanga as saying that the Agusta A1-0-9 light utility helicopter had come down at around 20:00 local time on Saturday, killing all five people on board.

General Xolani Mabanga said the ministry of defence extended condolences to the families of the deceased, all members of the South African National Defence Force.