Five Durban teachers accused of sexual misconduct have been suspended, the KwaZulu-Natal education department said on Thursday.

Spokesman Ntokoza Maphisa said the teachers from Makhumbuza High School were suspended with immediate effect on Wednesday.

"The department is taking immediate steps to replace them with temporary educators whilst finalising the investigation,? he told Sapa.

The male teachers were accused of sexual harassment against female pupils as young as 15 in exchange for money and alcohol.

A group of about 20 pupils had reported the matter to the department's Umlazi district director Mlungisi Ntombela on Friday.

They alleged teachers were frequently having sex with female pupils in the science laboratory, and had even consumed alcohol with them.

The girls would allegedly receive R100 after sex.

There were also allegations that some of the girls were romantically involved with the teachers.

Another claim was that one pupil had dropped out of the school after being impregnated by a teacher.

Maphisa said all the claims were being investigated.

If any of the teachers was found guilty, ?it is a dismissable offence?.

He said the pupils concerned were receiving psychological treatment.