Two male learners from Masasi High School in Marange, Manicaland Province, were denied bail yesterday after appearing before the Mutare Magistrates’ Court on allegations of gang-raping a 17-year-old female schoolmate.

The case drew public attention after a video allegedly depicting the incident began circulating on social media.

The accused, both aged 16, were not granted temporary freedom after prosecutors successfully argued for their continued detention.

The state cited the gravity of the charges and the intense public backlash as justification for keeping the minors in custody.

The case has been remanded to October 14 for further proceedings.