When an accused appears in a magistrate's court and the alleged offence may be tried by a regional court but not by a magistrate's court or the prosecutor informs the court that he is of the opinion that the alleged offence is of such a nature or magnitude that it merits punishment in excess of the jurisdiction of a magistrate's court but not of the jurisdiction of a regional court, the prosecutor may, notwithstanding the provisions of section 75, put the relevant charge, as well as any other charge which shall, in terms of section 82, be disposed of by a regional court, to the accused, who shall, subject to the provisions of sections 77 and 85, be required by the magistrate to plead thereto forthwith.

[Section 122A substituted by section 18 of Act No. 59 of 1983]