Police in Musina have opened an inquest following the mysterious death of a 35-year-old Zimbabwean woman, suspected to be an illegal immigrant, who died in a toilet at an SANDF camp at Beitbridge border post.

Police spokesman in Limpopo Supt Ailwei Mushavhanamadi said the incident occurred on Saturday at around 15:00. The woman was detained by the soldiers at the camp.

"We suspect the woman, who was from Zimbabwe, was arrested by soldiers for allegedly entering the country illegally through an undesignated entry point along the Limpopo River before they (soldiers) subsequently detained her at their camp," he said.

Mushavhanamadi said the now deceased went to the toilet, intending to relieve herself. She was, however, later found lying dead on the floor in the toilet by the one of the SANDF members.

He said a report was subsequently made to the police and the body was taken to the Musina government mortuary for a post-mortem. Mushavhanamadi could, however, not release the name of the deceased, saying police were yet to locate her relatives in Zimbabwe.

"We are investigating the incident and we have since opened an inquest into the matter, so that we can establish the exact circumstances surrounding this mysterious death," said the police spokesman.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident, a 29-year-old Zimbabwean woman was also found lying dead near a farm in Musina. The body was in a decomposing state and police suspect the woman was murdered.

Mushavhanamadi said they have opened an inquest into the incident, which occurred last Thursday (15 February).

The body was discovered by some farm workers who then reported the matter to the police. The body was also taken to the government mortuary in Musina for a post mortem. Mushavhanamadi said police are still investigating. "We are appealing to community members to assist us with information which could lead to the arrest of the suspects linked to the murder case," he said.