(Picture taken from internet site)

Catherine Rice

The Cape Town Magistrate’s Court on Monday withdrew charges against 12 of 13 Mavericks dancers.

The women were arrested in a raid last November, for allegedly contravening the conditions of their work permits.

But the exotic dancers are now free to return to work.

Ukrainian-born Kathrina Vecktina was beaming as she left the courtroom.

The striking brunette appeared in court six times.

She said she was relieved that the case was finally over.

Charges were withdrawn due to a lack of evidence.

Vecktina has been living in South Africa for six years and started working as a stripper at Mavericks in 2011.

She said the money and working conditions were good in South Africa. 

One woman was ordered to return to court on Tuesday as the state needs to look at further documentation.

Defence advocate Pete Mihalik also requested an outstanding affidavit from a senior Home Affairs official.

The dancers are from Ukraine, Thailand, Russia and Romania. 

According to the state, the dancers violated their temporary residence permits by working as strippers at the club, before the Department of Home Affairs approved their applications for a change of status.

(Edited by Lindiwe Mlandu)