JOHANNESBURG (AP) — The wife of a Danish man who was arrested after 21 pieces of female genitalia were found at his South African home has been fatally shot, media reported Wednesday.

Anna Matseliso Molise, a key witness in the case, died of her wounds after being shot Tuesday while leaving her home in Lesotho, which borders South Africa, according to news channel eNCA. The channel cited Brig. Hangwani Mulaudzi, a South African police spokesman.

Ekstra Bladet, a Danish newspaper, also reported the killing.

"We suspected that something might happen and we offered her witness protection but she refused," eNCA quoted police Lt. Gen. Mthandazo Ntlemeza as saying. "Despite this setback, we are committed to do all in our power to bring justice to all women who fell victim of the accused."

South African police said they found 21 pieces of women's genitalia in plastic bags in a freezer at the Danish man's home in the South African city of Bloemfontein.

Although some media outlets have named the man, The Associated Press has not done so. Under South African law, he cannot be identified until he enters a plea. He is due to appear in court next month.