The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Limpopo Province has pulled a last-minute spin at the Polokwane magistrate court on Thursday (23 April 2026).
The state presented before court a surprise witness from the Polokwane Correctional Services, where Lehlongonolo “Shebe Maburna” Chauke ( 31) has been held in custody for the past five months.
His is facing three counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault with intent to cause bodily harm, and possession of unlicensed firearm.
He was arrested in November 2025 for a road rage incident that led to an attempted murder charge.
Lemkopo King artist was denied bail by the Polokwane magistrate court on 18 December 2025
After the defeat, he fired his previous lawyer and appointed Attorney Michael Khumalo, who has presented new evidence before a no-nonsense Judge Geoffrey Netshiozwi.
Attorney Khumalo has since informed the court that his client fractured right leg needs medical attention before it loses alignment
Based on the testimony in court by the artist personal medical doctor, prior to his arrest, he was scheduled to see a specialist in February 2026.
The doctor’s claim infuriated the state prosecutor and the investigative officers.
Their persistence in keeping him behind bars has reached another level.
On Thursday, prosecutor Kgaugelo Lekoloane cross examined the state witness Operational Nurse Manager, Fikile Maureen Nkosi, and asked her ifever the defense team allegations should be considered by the court.
” We have registry book at our facility, and all inmates are taken through the process of prison rules on their first day and no inmates is prohibited to utilise or seek medical attention” said Operational Nurse Manager Fikile Maureen Nkosi
She further stated that the inmates are given equal rights to make use of the prison clinic.
During cross questioning, Attorney Khumalo informed the court that on 16 April 2026, he forwarded a complaint email to the Polokwane Correctional Services Secretary of the Area Reene Daniel regarding the applicant plea for Healthcare.
It is alleged that Reene Daniel acknowledged the email on 17 April 2026 and hasn’t confirmed ifever “Shebe Maburna” was allocated healthcare in prison.
The state was accused by Khumalo for failing to utilize specialists to prove ifever his client’s claims are baseless.
His lawyer submitted his final closing argument and pleaded with the court to consider his client’s state of health and of his 4 months infant safe environment.
It was confirmed in court that Shebe Maburna has received a letter of demand, and his stay in girlfriend and child are facing eviction due to unpaid bills.
The state is not unfazed by the applicant health condition and is determined to block the bail application.
Meanwhile, the family representative and former SABC Thobela FM presenter Kwenisto Makgakga says the family is pleased with Khumalo presentation in court .
The matter has been postponed to 28 April 2026 for the state closing argument.