POLOKWANE – Musician Lehlogonolo ‘Shebeshxt’ Chauke appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday for a bail application based on new facts.

The bid followed two previous bail applications that were denied in November last year and January 2026 at the Polokwane High Court, where the court found he had not presented sufficient grounds for release.

Chauke faces nine charges, including three counts of attempted murder, with the offences falling under schedule six.

During his appearance on March 13, Chauke appointed a new legal representative, Adv Michael Khumalo.

Doctor testifies musician needs urgent surgery

Khumalo called Dr Malose Chaba as the first witness. Chaba testified that he began treating Chauke in March 2024 and that the musician was involved in a motor vehicle accident in June that year, in which his daughter, Onthatile Chuene, died.

Chaba told the court that Chauke sustained serious injuries and was hospitalised, although he did not treat him at the time. He later assessed him in July 2024 after Chauke had been discharged.

“He was still in pain, had stitches, fractures on the lower right limb and shoulder, and a deformity on the left collar bone,” Chaba testified.

Referring to CT scans and X-rays presented in court, Chaba said a screw in Chauke’s bone appeared to be loosening, causing pain and deformation, and that he requires urgent surgery.

He added that his last consultation with Chauke was on November 11, a day before his arrest.

“I intended to refer him to an orthopaedic surgeon for further treatment, but I could not do so after his arrest,” he said.

Chaba confirmed he later visited Chauke at a correctional facility as a visitor, where the accused complained of ongoing pain.

Chauke cites financial hardship and possible eviction

In his affidavit, read by Khumalo, Chauke cited financial hardship, medical needs and family responsibilities as grounds for bail.

He said his family faces possible eviction from their rented apartment in Polokwane and that he can no longer support them financially.

“I am under severe financial pressure and now rely on donations from relatives. If I remain in custody, I may not be able to afford legal fees for the trial,” he said.

Prison nurse denies receiving medical request

Chauke returned to court today (Thursday, April 23).

In his testimony on Tuesday, Chauke noted he had reported or lodged a complaint to Correctional Services officers that he needed medical attention upon arrival.

However the state brought a witness from Polokwane Correctional facility, Operational Nurse Manager Fikike Nkosi, who testified to the court during a judicial questioning by Godfrey Netshiozwi, that there are no records that prove he had requested for that.

“All complaints and requests are recorded in a register. However, the registrar does not disclose the specific nature of each complaint. The register reflects only the inmate’s name, registration number, and a general request for medical assistance. A designated section is then completed by the attending nurse, who signs to confirm that the patient has been seen,” she said.

She further explained the procedure to be followed when an inmate seeks medical operational surgery.

“Inmates receive personalised medical care based on their individual needs. Where further assessment or specialised treatment is required ,such as surgical procedures, they are referred to external public healthcare facilities. In this case, referrals are made to Pietersburg Provincial Hospital, where inmates are attended to,” she added.

At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!