The case will be heard in the Nigel Regional Court.
The NSPCA applauds the decision to move the case to a Regional Court as this means that, upon conviction, an individual may be sentenced to a fine not exceeding R300 000 or a term of imprisonment not exceeding 15 years.
Attorneys representing the accused argued against the move to a Regional Court.
The magistrate, however, ruled in terms of the Criminal Procedures Act.
Five of the accused were released on bail by the SAPS on November 3 (the night of the arrest).
The remaining 13 were conditionally released by the magistrate with a warning on November 18.
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