Johannesburg police on Monday denied media reports that Zimbabwean children were being sexually abused at an inner city church.

No cases had been opened and the church's management said it had not heard of any case, Captain John Maluleke said.

He said the Central Methodist Church management had called a meeting recently to discuss ways of combating crime.

"Issues included housebreaking, theft and other things, but there was no such abuse registered."

Police could also not confirm allegations by Radio 702 that children as young as 14 were being recruited to commit crime.

"We don't have that information so we can't confirm it," Maluleke said.

The church had become home to hundreds of Zimbabweans who fled their country. Many of them were children unaccompanied by adults.

The station claimed young girls were being abused by male teachers staying at the church.

On the radio station's website, Bishop John Verryn was quoted as saying he was aware of allegations some adults had tried to solicit sexual favours, and that hearings would be held by ministers to investigate the claims.