Police in South Africa have arrested a man after they found pieces of female genitalia in his freezer.

The 58-year old Danish gun shop owner was detained in Bloemfontein after police received a tip-off that he had photos of victims of female genital mutilation, South African News 24 reports.

Police discovered 21 pieces of women's genitalia stored in plastic bags and also seized surgical equipment, anaesthetic and a large collection of photographs from his home.

Police said it was unclear whether the victims were still alive. "At this stage we don't know how many women there are, because there are many, many photos," said Constable Masilela Langa.

Forensic experts are working to determine if the body parts came from 21 different women.

"We are busy with the investigation and are questioning the man. It seems as if he knew the victims and knew where to find them," she said, appealing to his victims to come forward.

The man is due to appear in Bloemfontein ­Magistrate's Court today on charges of ­sexual assault.