A woman's body was found in a burning suitcase on the banks of a stream in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon, Lyttelton police said.

Spokesperson Eveline Hardaker said the suitcase with the body was discovered by a passer-by who alerted the police.

The body's head, arms and legs had been cut off and its torso was missing, she said.

The body was still dressed in white and orange T-shirts. A murder case was opened and anyone with information about it could contact investigating officer Inspector Andre Nel on 082-774-3394 or Crime-Stop on 08600-10111. - Sapa