The alleged misconduct includes drunkenness and fighting in Congolese nightclubs, promoting prostitution and sexual assault.

"Without prejudging the case, the SANDF wanted to make known its distinguished record of upholding human rights during peacekeeping operations under the UN and African Union mandates," Major General Mohato Mofokeng said in a statement.

"Members of the SANDF who make themselves guilty of such offences will be dealt with according to the Military Disciplinary Code or other relevant laws," Mofokeng said.

A UN spokesman said yesterday the UN had no power to punish a South African battalion commander allegedly involved in sexual misconduct in the DRC.

Defence Ministry spokesman Sam Mkhwanazi earlier confirmed the officer was being investigated but did not name him.

News24 reported yesterday that South African peacekeeping soldiers in Burundi were becoming increasingly unpopular with the local population.

It quoted the latest intelligence report by The Economist as saying: "They got themselves the unfortunate reputation for excessive drinking and the abuse of prostitutes."

Mkhwanazi did not want to respond to the allegations. "They are not based on any facts."

The UN said at the weekend it would step up efforts to root out sexual abuses, especially of minor girls in Burundi.

An investigation into various incidents of abuse was begun in Burundi recently.

Two soldiers were caught in December after allegations of abuses in Muyinga. It was not clear from which country these soldiers came.

In September last year, a 14- year-old prostitute was killed, allegedly by a South African after an evening of debauchery.

According to a UN statement, an investigation was ordered because soldiers were disregarding the world body's restrictions.

"The UN forbids peace-keeping forces from paying for sex or having sex with girls under 18," the statement said.

"In the DRC, payment varies from two eggs to $5 (about R30) a time. In many cases, the victims are orphans and illiterate."

A South African working in Burundi, who asked not be named, said the soldiers had been reprimanded at diplomatic level for their behaviour for quite some time.