Zimbabwean self-proclaimed pastor Ishmael Chokurongerwa and seven of his accomplices, accused of criminal activities including abusing minors, were denied bail, local media said.
The hearing was held at the magistrate's court in the town of Norton, near the capital Harare.
The court said the release of the fugitives could cause a public outcry and that there was sufficient evidence that the defendants had influence and would interfere with state witnesses, according to media reports.
Police said last week that Chokurongerwa led a sect of more than 1,000 members on a farm northwest of the capital, Harare, where children lived with other followers and were used as cheap labor.
The 251 children rescued by police were not attending school, had no birth certificates, and were being used for manual labor "in the name of being taught life skills," police revealed.
In addition, police reported the discovery of 16 graves on the sect's property, including nine adults and seven infants, all of which had not been registered as required by the authorities.
According to the court order, the case is set for trial on April 4. Chokurongerwa and his accomplices will appeal the magistrate's decision to the High Court, according to media reports.