Harare — Eighteen MDC-T youths who allegedly torched and destroyed $450 trillion worth of farm property belonging to a Zanu-PF supporter in Bindura were yesterday denied bail by the High Court as further arrests were made following further violence against Zanu-PF supporters in Chipinge.

The property destroyed by the suspected MDC-T youths at Dawnhill farm owned by Cde Elfigio Chitate included four cars, a combine harvester, tractor, maize seed, cotton bales and household goods. At least eight families resident in the compound were left homeless when their homesteads were torched in the early hours of May 12.

The 18 accused including some who are still at large are former workers who resided at the farm. High Court judge, Justice Tedious Karwi dismissed their bail application saying judicial officers should send a message to like-minded persons ahead of the presidential election run-off. "Allegations against the accused in this case involve arson, substantial amounts worth of property was destroyed and there was rampant looting after the arson.

"I consider this to be a serious offence especially in the time of the presidential election run-off. This court must send a clear message that violence will not be tolerated irrespective of which political party one belongs to," said Justice Karwi.

"It would be naïve for the court to grant the applicants bail and allow them to return where the witnesses who are also complainants reside, there would be interference," he said. The supporters' lawyer, Mr Ernest Jena had argued that the accused be released on bail saying the presumption of innocence provided by the law was in their favour. He said the accused would not abscond, as most of them had no travel documents and had never set foot outside Zimbabwe.

State prosecutor, Mr Douglas Chesa opposed bail saying the offence committed was serious and the use of fire in its commission aggravated the case. "The damage was of a high magnitude and left 10 families destitute and homeless in this winter season. It is submitted that a heavy sentence awaits them if convicted and this is an incentive for them to evade standing trial.

"The offence was committed in the run-up to the presidential run-off election. Furthermore, it was committed in one of the volatile regions in this country.

"If released it will buttress the inter-party-fighting attitude in the region. This will give rise to an increase in politically motivated violence."

In Chipinge, rowdy suspected MDC-T supporters attacked and severely injured a Zanu-PF district official before they torched the party's presidential run off campaign base at Holland Farm, a resettlement area in Chipinge on Tuesday.

The mob of about 100 activists allegedly attacked Cde Ferguson Madeya (55), the ruling party's deputy information and publicity officer for Chipinge East constituency who sustained a deep cut on the forehead.

He has since been admitted at Chipinge District Hospital where he is reported to be in a stable condition.

The attack on Cde Madeya comes barely a week after a United Church of Christ Reverend and three teachers allegedly mobilised some students at Mount Selinda High School and assaulted a war veteran, Cde Edwell Mbaradza (58). The group allegedly led by the Rev Samson Mhlanga also assaulted another Zanu-PF district official for Ward 19, Cde Christina Simango before torching her hut and a banana plantation.

Police spokesperson Superintendent Oliver Mandipaka said police had since arrested another suspect believed to be an MDC-T activist. Supt Mandipaka said the suspect, Oliver Masunungure, who is an ambulance driver at Mount Selinda High School is expected to appear in court soon.

"Violence is not acceptable and we will investigate this case until we arrest all those behind it. We will not leave any stone unturned.," Supt Mandipaka said.

He also said it was worrying that school children were being used to perpetrate violence and warned such pupils that they would also be apprehended.

Supt Mandipaka said two students had been picked up and were assisting police with investigations. In an interview, Cde Madeya who was still in a state of shock and pain said the MDC-T supporters accused him of being part of a group of Zanu-PF supporters that attacked and injured their fellow party member.

"They assaulted me with sticks and threatened to pluck out my eyes for supporting Cde Mugabe," Cde Madeya said.

He said the rowdy youths then warned him that they would deal with any Zanu-PF supporter in the resettlement area.