A former top South African rugby player has allegedly hacked three people to death in a revenge attack after his daughter was reportedly gang-raped and infected with HIV.

The 34-year-old, who reportedly played for the Blue Bulls but has not been named, is due to appear in court today (AEDT) in Durban on three murder charges and one of attempted murder.

The three people were reportedly butchered with an axe last week. One person was decapitated and the head found in a dustbin nearly two kilometres away.

It is alleged the man stalked his victims for several days.

A man reported to have escaped from being killed said his attacker said he was avenging the rape of his daughter.