Nigel - Eighteen men arrested in connection with a dog-fighting syndicate appeared in the Nigel Regional Court on Monday.
The matter was postponed to February 3 for legal aid applications by the men, a court clerk said.
It was moved from the Tsakane Magistrate's Court in Brakpan last month.
National Council of Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA) deputy CEO Este Kotze said at the time the organisation was pleased with the transfer of the case.
“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.”
She said lawyers representing the accused had argued against the move.
Sapa