New charges emerge as court postpones Shebeshxt bail hearing
The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court saw another delay in the Shebeshxt case as the defence requested time to address several newly added charges.
POLOKWANE – Security was visibly tightened at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court this morning as popular musician Katlego Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke returned for his highly anticipated bail application.
The matter comes after last week’s chaotic scenes inside and outside the courtroom on November 21, which forced officials to postpone proceedings.
Read more: Bail hearing postponed as Shebeshxt faces 3 attempted murder charges
Dozens of the artist’s supporters again gathered at court today, prompting police and court security to increase their presence to prevent further disruptions.
Shebeshxt is now facing a Schedule 6 offence after the State confirmed that his older criminal matters have been merged with the new attempted murder case.
His charges have since grown significantly and now include:
– Three counts of attempted murder
– Possession of an unlicensed firearm
– Malicious damage to property
– Robbery with intent to cause bodily harm
– Several additional charges linked to a warrant of arrest issued in 2023
According to the State, a warrant of arrest dating back to 2023 had been active, although the defence argued this was unusual given that the musician “has been living his life normally and publicly for years.”
Read more: Shebeshxt to remain behind bars as road rage case continues
Defence challenges sudden addition of six new charges
Representing Shebeshxt, Advocate Lot Ramusi told the court he had only received new information today, including six additional charges the defence had never been informed of.
He argued that it was impossible to proceed with the bail application without proper preparation.
However, when the defence asked for a postponement, Shebeshxt signalled strongly in court that he did not want any further delays.
Court briefly adjourned to allow Ramusi to consult with his client privately.
Case postponed again to Thursday
After reconvening, the magistrate postponed the matter to Thursday (November 27) at 14:00, noting that the investigating officer is unavailable on Wednesday as they are testifying in another case in Tzaneen.
Shebeshxt will remain in custody until the next appearance.
