Harare — A UNITED Church of Christ Reverend -- three teachers and a student at Mount Selinda High School in Chipinge -- were yesterday arrested for allegedly assaulting a Zanu-PF district official and torching her house and banana plantation.

The teachers -- Isee Makuyana, Blessing Hlaziyo and Obert Gandidzana -- reportedly mobilised 150 students at the school and proceeded to Cde Christina Simango's homestead.

Cde Simango is Zanu-PF Ward 19 secretary for administration in the Women's League.

The group together with Rev Samson Mhlanga allegedly accused Cde Simango and her children of being "President Mugabe's terror machinery."

Chanting anti-Zanu-PF slogans the group allegedly proceeded to Cde Simango's homestead where they insulted and assaulted her with sticks before setting her hut and banana plantation on fire. Other villagers came to the rescue of Cde Simango and the group fled.

The group also assaulted war veteran Cde Edwell Mbaradza (58), who had questioned Rev Mhlanga about his links with MDC-T.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka confirmed the incident saying Cde Mbaradza sustained a fractured leg and was admitted at Chipinge Hospital. He said reverends and teachers should inculcate good morals and values but to the contrary decided to work in cahoots to commit malicious damage to property.

Investigations were in progress while those arrested would be charged with public violence.

Supt Mandipaka urged students not to be used as cannon fodder but concentrate on their schoolwork.