During the bail hearing of popular musician Lehlogonolo ‘Shebeshxt’ Chauke in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this afternoon, explosive allegations about interference with witnesses and contradictions in past cases were heard.

Polokwane Review reports that the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola, took the stand under cross-examination by defence lawyer Advocate Lot Ramusi.

Makola accused Chauke and Ramusi of allegedly approaching complainants behind his back in an attempt to get statements changed or withdrawn.

The allegation relates to an assault case in Mankweng, where the complainant claims he was beaten and later denied a J88 medical examination form at the local police station.

Ramusi told the court the complainant has since provided a new statement.

Makola responded that he would investigate the new version and warned that the complainant may face arrest if found to have lied.

Court arguments also focused on a shooting incident involving Chauke and alleged accomplice Thabiso Malatji.

While Makola said the incident happened at a music festival, Ramusi argued it took place at a private house party and that only one firearm, belonging to Malatji, was fired.

Makola maintained that the location does not change the seriousness of the crime.

“Two cartridges were found at the scene and were taken for ballistics to compare them with the recent shooting that took place in Westenburg,” he testified.

He further told the court that Chauke had publicly stated on a podcast with media personality MacG that he could commit ‘60 crimes in a month’.

Ramusi objected, arguing that the state should not rely on unverified social media content during testimony.

The bail proceedings are continuing.

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