Shebeshxt Challenges State’s Evidence as Bail Hearing Postponed to November

South African Lekompo musician Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke has maintained that the prosecution does not have a strong case against him as his latest bail application continues at the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court in Limpopo.

The hearing was postponed on Thursday, 29 October, after proceedings could not be completed. Chauke is expected to return to court on 9 November, with further hearings scheduled until 12 November.

The postponement followed extensive proceedings involving the musician’s testimony, cross-examination and evidence presented through affidavits. The State continues to oppose his release. <Cite refs={[“turn273443search0″,”turn273443search1”]}/>

Defence challenges ballistic evidence

One of the central issues in Chauke’s latest bail application is an alleged shooting in Ladanna, Polokwane, on 19 October 2025.

His legal team has questioned the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, particularly the findings surrounding the alleged shooting.

A defence-appointed forensic ballistics expert, Christo de Klerk, testified about gaps in the material available for examination.

According to the defence, investigators did not recover cartridge cases or bullet fragments, while CCTV footage placing Chauke at the alleged crime scene has also not been presented.

His lawyers have further questioned whether the complainant’s reported injuries are consistent with the alleged shooting.

Prosecutor Advocate Kgaugelo Lekoloane has maintained that the State has a strong case and continues to challenge the defence’s arguments.

Musician questions 21 charges

Chauke is facing 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, assault, reckless and negligent driving, and culpable homicide.

During cross-examination, the State argued that the number and seriousness of the charges should be considered when determining whether the musician should be granted bail.

Chauke questioned this position, arguing that the charges remain allegations and that he has not been convicted of any of the offences.

He also questioned why additional charges had been introduced into the case and whether the legal procedures surrounding them had been properly followed.

The musician has been in custody since November 2025, and previous attempts to secure his release, including an appeal to the Limpopo High Court, have been unsuccessful.

Shebeshxt says detention affects his family

Another argument presented by Chauke concerns the financial difficulties caused by his continued detention.

The musician reportedly told the court that being incarcerated has prevented him from earning an income and providing adequately for his partner and their newborn baby.

His mother and partner have continued attending court proceedings in support of him.

Chauke has also received public support from fellow musicians and members of the Limpopo entertainment industry, with concerns raised about the impact of his detention on his personal life and music career.

What happens next?

The bail proceedings are expected to resume on 9 November, when the State will continue presenting its opposition to the musician’s release.

The latest application is based on new facts presented by the defence, including arguments concerning the ballistic evidence and the handling of the investigation.

Chauke remains in custody while the court considers the application.

He has not been convicted of the charges against him, and the criminal case remains ongoing.