Shebeshxt’s Third Bail Bid Faces Setback as New Lawyer Seeks More Time
POLOKWANE: Limpopo lekompo musician Lehlogonolo “Shebe Maburna” Chauke’s attempt to fast-track his third bail application has hit a setback after his newly appointed legal representative asked the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court for more time to familiarise himself with the case.
Chauke, popularly known as Shebeshxt, has reportedly terminated the services of attorney Michael Khumalo and appointed Advocate Muthelwana Sydwell Sikwani to represent him.
Sikwani asked the court for a two-month postponement, arguing that the defence needed sufficient time to obtain all outstanding documents from the State and familiarise itself with the 21 charges against the musician.
The State opposed the application, arguing that the defence was effectively causing further delays in proceedings.
The court reminded Sikwani that an order had already been made regarding the accused’s pre-trial conference and that the order could not simply be reversed because a new legal representative had been appointed.
The defence subsequently adjusted its request and proposed that the matter be postponed until 15 October 2026.
The court, however, rejected the request for an extension.
Instead, the defence was afforded approximately three hours to obtain the necessary information from the State, with the court making it clear that the pre-trial conference would proceed on Thursday without any further delays.
The court further indicated that Chauke’s bail application could be arranged through the District Court.
21 CHARGES
Chauke is facing a total of 21 charges, with publicly reported charges including attempted murder, culpable homicide, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, robbery with aggravating circumstances, theft, malicious damage to property and reckless and negligent driving.
The state also identified charges relating to the discharge of a firearm and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
However, the charge of illegal possession of a firearm was subsequently withdrawn, according to court reports.
The 31 year-old musician is facing 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder.
The charges stem from several incidents, including an alleged shooting incident in Ladanna, Polokwane, in October 2025.
Chauke has remained in custody since his arrest in November 2025.
His previous attempts to secure his release on bail have been unsuccessful, with the Limpopo High Court dismissing his latest bail appeal in August after finding that he had failed to establish the required exceptional circumstances for release.
The musician is now expected to proceed with his pre-trial proceedings while his new legal team prepares for the next bail application.
The State continues to oppose his release on bail.
Court proceedings will resume at 14:00 this afternoon.
