Transport Minister Jeff Radebe has asked his counterpart in safety and security to investigate the reports of violence associated with yesterday's taxi operators' strike.

Transport Minister Jeff Radebe has asked his counterpart in safety and security to investigate the reports of violence associated with yesterday's taxi operators' strike.

"Minister Radebe has discussed the violent protests with Safety and Security Minister Nathi Mthethwa, and investigations on the protests are underway," his spokesperson Collen Msibi said.

"Those found guilty of contravening the law will face the full might of the law," he said.

Radebe's intervention came after a Putco bus driver was shot in the hand in Soweto as taxi drivers made their way into Johannesburg to express their dismay at the transport department for planning bus routes - on routes already being plied by taxis.

Some schools told their pupils to stay at home, and a Sapa staffer reported being intimidated at two blockades in Soweto.

Radio stations took listeners' calls telling of incidents around the city where they were threatened or beaten, while the roads leading in and out of Soweto, and the freeways, were clogged with motorists seeking alternative routes to work. - Sapa