The twelve members of the MDC Youth wing who were arrested at party Vice Chairman Job Sikhala’s home on Saturday have been denied bail.

The twelve were arrested while guarding Sikhala’s home leading to other party members of the opposition party taking to the street to resist the address.

Harare provincial magistrate Mrs Vongai Muchuchuti-Guwuriro remanded them in custody to March 12.

As the twelve appeared in court, some of their colleagues in opposition party picketed around the court and barricaded access roads to the courts.

Police officer commanding Harare Province, Commissioner Bernard Dumbura, confirmed receiving the report.

“We received a report that the road had been barricaded and when our officers arrived, there was no one at the scene,” he said.

According to police, no one was injured neither was there any damage to property.

Police said they would remain firm on the ground to thwart any criminal activities and to ensure sanity prevailed.

The court heard bail applications from four defence lawyers, including MDC deputy chairperson Job Sikhala, but resolved to lock up the suspects after finding them allegedly unsuitable for bail.

Ms Muchuchuti ruled that there was strong evidence linking the 12 to the offence and that they deserved to be in custody in the public interest.