The UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says the South African troops serving in the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) have been accused of beating a 17-year-old boy and sexually exploiting women.

The UN and South African investigators will conduct a joint probe of the four allegations of misconduct that took place in Kasai province and in North Kivu.

Dujarric said the allegations which surfaced last week involve a 17-year-old Congolese boy, who was subjected to "physical violence" in eastern Kasai.

He further said given the "serious concern raised by these allegations", the United Nations has asked South Africa to send a team of agents to the DRC within five days, and that the investigation be completed within 90 days.

The other three allegations concern the sexual exploitation of women in the North Kivu towns of Sake, Beni and Goma, one of whom gave birth to a child and is seeking child support.

Dujarric did not say how many troops were involved.