Port Elizabeth police arrested 12 people for petrol-bombing and stoning municipal and private vehicles parked inside a municipal depot in Addo Road on Tuesday night.
This incident followed ongoing protests sparked by court-ordered evictions being executed by the Sheriff of the Court in the areas of Motherwell, Ikamvelihle and Wells Estate.
Police spokesperson, Captain Andre Beetge, said one car was completely burnt out and the windows of two privately owned cars and a municipal truck were smashed by stones.
"At the early morning hours at 03:00 a special operation was launched in the Wells Estate area, where twelve persons were arrested for being in possession of incendiary devices," Beetge said.
"Nine males aged 27 to 43, and three females aged 20 to 31 were arrested. A further 30 tyres, 18 petrol bombs, and a five litre can of petrol were also confiscated," he said.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 43, were arrested early this morning (Weds) for being possession of incendiary devices," he added.
"The Addo Road and the R334 will remain closed for the duration of this week till Friday when the evictions are expected to be completed. SAPS urges motorists and businesses to avoid these routes as they will not be allowed to pass through these roads for their own safety," Beetge said.
Beetge said the safety of commuters and the community at large is their top priority.
