Disciplinary action against two Parktown Boys High School teachers accused of racism and assault is under way.

The Gauteng department of education has hired a law firm to investigate two teachers, whose names are known to Sowetan, for allegedly mistreating pupils.

Department spokesman Steve Mabona said: "This is to confirm that the law firm has commenced with their work, and as such we are affording them some space to finalise their work."

He said the two teachers were "precautionary transferred" to the district office pending the outcome of the investigation.

The top Johannesburg school has been rocked by a number of scandals. Another involved a former assistant water polo coach who was accused of sexually preying on pupils.

Mabona declined to divulge more details, however, Sowetan has established that one of the teachers was accused of performing old-school initiation rituals on pupils, including keeping one in a sit-up position for 45 minutes. The other teacher was, among others, accused of throwing water in a pupil's face and making another boy strip naked.

The law firm was conducting interviews with witnesses, which included parents and pupils. "The department will announce the outcome of the disciplinary process to all affected stakeholders in the matter," Mabona said.

The school governing body said it was unaware of the allegations faced by the teachers facing disciplinary action.

Chairman of the school governing body, Jim Pooley, said: "We have however requested [the department] on numerous occasions to provide us with information pertaining to the accusations. We have yet to receive anything . therefore we are not in a position to comment on the disciplinary process."

Pooley said they also did not know who the witnesses were.

"Should we become aware of these witnesses, and if there is a need, we will gladly assist and support where possible."