The new legal team of musician Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, known as Shebeshxt, told the Limpopo High Court in Polokwane today (July 30) that he is prepared to pay R100 000 bail if released, reports Polokwane Review.

The submission came during his second appeal for bail.

Senior Counsel Advocate Laurence Hodes, representing Chauke, told the court there were new facts that should be considered.

One of the key arguments was around Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi, who handled the bail application in the magistrate’s court.

Hodes submitted that the magistrate had signed the arrest warrant for Shebeshxt and, on that basis, should have made that known and stepped aside from the bail hearing.

“The presiding officer was required to disclose this and recuse himself when the appellant came before him,” Hodes said.

State opposes bail

The state opposed bail, arguing the application largely repeated points already made and asked the court to dismiss it.

The prosecutor also told the court that Chauke had not shown proper regard for the justice system, noting that some of the current allegations relate to incidents said to have happened while the musician was out on bail in other cases.

Judgment reserved

After listening to both sides, the High Court reserved judgment. The matter will return on August 15 for the court’s decision.

21 charges including culpable homicide

Court papers list 21 charges against Chauke, including:

• Culpable homicide
• Reckless driving
• Three counts of attempted murder
• Robbery with aggravating circumstances
• Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm
• Malicious damage to property
• Illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition
  

Background to the case

This appeal follows an earlier one that was thrown out by the same High Court in December 2025. The case was earlier taken off the roll to allow the defence team to review the record.

Chauke has already had two bail applications denied in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.

In April, Netshiozwi dismissed a third bail bid, saying the new facts presented were a repetition of what had already been considered.

“The so-called new facts relied upon are, in substance, an embroidery of circumstances that were already known,” Netshiozwi said.

In May, the High Court postponed a bail appeal after Judge Karin Pillay flagged supplementary defence documents as unverified and potentially AI-generated.

An investigating officer testified that Chauke has a propensity to commit further offences and is facing charges in Lebowakgomo, Seshego and Mankweng Magistrate’s Courts.

Medical and psychological claims

In previous appearances, Chauke claimed a dislodged surgical screw in his ankle required surgery. A psychologist’s report stated he needed continuous mental health treatment until at least October, adding that he missed therapy sessions in February after a previous bail denial and that complaints about his condition were not properly recorded by correctional services.

Shebeshxt remains in custody pending the ruling.

No respect for justice system, state argues

The state argued Chauke showed no respect for the justice system as some offences were allegedly committed while he was out on bail in other matters.

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