South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says a specialised multidisciplinary team has been deployed to investigate the deaths of 11 women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni since July, amid concern over a recent spate of killings.

Addressing the nation on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said the investigation had been elevated to the national level, bringing together detectives, Crime Intelligence officers, forensic specialists, investigative psychologists and digital investigators.

Several arrests have already been made in connection with some of the cases.

Police arrested a suspect on Sunday in connection with the killing of Ntombifuthi Nxumalo, whose body was found a day earlier. Two suspects have also been arrested and appeared in court in connection with the murder of Jabulile Ntimba.

Another suspect is in custody in connection with the murder of Busisiwe Mahlangu.

Ramaphosa said investigators had identified persons of interest in the remaining cases and collected forensic evidence, including DNA, blood samples, clothing, cellphones and cellphone records.

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has also been brought in to support the digital forensic investigation.

Ramaphosa said the expanded investigation would bring together the expertise and resources needed to establish what happened in each case and identify those responsible.

With input from local media