The controversial group of young men known as the Reitz Four could have their court case struck from the roll on Monday as prosecutors prepare to ask for another postponement.

The four, who attended the University of the Free State, face charges of crimen injuria for allegedly making black cleaning staff eat meat they had apparently urinated on. The group filmed the workers taking part in a mock initiation ceremony.

The videotape was shown in the Reitz Hostel where the four lived. It was leaked and caused an outcry from several sectors of society.

Hundreds of protesters are expected to demonstrate outside the court on Monday.

"The courts must apply the law but they must be sensitive to the extreme anger that the actions of the accused caused," says Cosatu's Patrick Craven.

An application to postpone by the National Prosecuting Authority might be a risky move that could get the case struck from the roll.

When they last appeared in August the magistrate warned he would not tolerate any more delays in the trial, adding the defence and prosecution have had ample time to prepare. But the NPA has indicated it might need more time to get its ducks in a row because the case is of national importance and it cannot afford to make any mistakes.

The matter has again made headlines in recent days because of the university?s decision to allow the men to return.

New rector Jonathan Jansen has come under fire for his anouncement that the men are free to begin studying at the institution again.