"You really are beautiful, hey!" magistrate Chumani Giyos said, causing ripples of laughter in the courtroom.

The dancers in the employ of the strip club Mavericks made their third appearance on two charges framed under the Immigration Act. They are from countries including Russia, Ukraine, Thailand and Columbia. All are out on bail.

One charge alleges they failed to comply with the terms and conditions of their status. They allegedly worked illegally as strippers at the Mavericks revue bar in the Cape Town CBD, while awaiting the outcome of a home affairs application for a change of status.

The State claims the application form they had completed specifically prohibited employment in the meanwhile.

According to the second charge they "entered or remained" in South Africa after their temporary residence permit had expired in January last year.

Defence lawyer Peter Mihalik told the court he agreed with the prosecutor to a postponement to March 6, when he would be formally handed the charge sheets. He would then decide whether to request further particulars to the charges.

Granting the postponement, the magistrate added: "I have never seen so many beautiful women at one time. I hope to see you all again."