Key Takeaways
- Shebeshxt, a 30-year-old musician from Limpopo, has been denied bail by the Polokwane magistrate’s court.
- He is facing nine charges, including attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
- The latest charges stem from an incident on October 19, where he allegedly fired a shot at a fan, striking them in the neck and jaw.
- The state opposed his release on bail, citing a strong case against him and the likelihood of him committing further offences.
- Shebeshxt has additional cases reported in other policing areas and is facing other serious charges in different courts.
Introduction to the Case
The Polokwane magistrate’s court has denied bail to popular Limpopo musician Shebeshxt, real name Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, who is facing a string of serious charges. The 30-year-old artist, also known as Shebe Maburna, is accused of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, discharge of a firearm, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition. The latest charges stem from an incident that took place on October 19 in Ladanna, Polokwane, where he allegedly fired a shot at a fan who had greeted him.
The Incident
According to court papers, the complainant and a friend were driving along Witklip Street when they spotted Shebeshxt and greeted him as fans. However, the musician responded by saying, "Kgane ga le tlale ka nna?" ("Are you not proud of me?") before allegedly firing a shot in their direction. The bullet reportedly struck the complainant in the neck and jaw, while the window of a Nissan vehicle belonging to the witness was damaged. The injured victim was rushed to Polokwane Provincial Hospital, where they have remained hospitalized since the incident. This incident has led to the musician being charged with serious crimes, including attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Investigation and Arrest
After an intensive investigation, Chauke was arrested on November 12. Investigations further revealed that he has additional cases reported in other policing areas, which were later consolidated, bringing the total to nine charges. The state has argued that it has a strong case against him and that there is a likelihood he could commit further offences if released on bail. The court also heard that Chauke was facing other serious charges in the Lebowakgomo, Seshego, and Mankweng magistrate’s courts, including attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. This history of violent crimes has raised concerns about the musician’s propensity to commit further offences.
Bail Hearing
During the bail hearing, Chauke submitted an affidavit instead of giving oral evidence. The state, however, led evidence from the investigating officer, who told the court that the accused has a propensity to commit further offences. The court heard that Chauke was also facing other serious charges in different courts, including attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. It was further revealed that some of the alleged offences were committed while Chauke was out on bail, despite conditions instructing him not to commit further crimes. This history of violating bail conditions has raised concerns about the musician’s reliability and trustworthiness.
Denial of Bail
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Mashudu Malabi-Dzhangi said: "The court denied him bail after the state opposed his release, citing that the charges fall under Schedule 6, that Chauke [Shebeshxt] failed to prove exceptional circumstances, and that his release could undermine the criminal justice system." The state had also argued that it had a strong case against him and that there was a likelihood he could commit further offences if released on bail. The court’s decision to deny bail is a significant blow to the musician, who will now remain behind bars until his trial. The case has sparked concerns about the musician’s violent behaviour and the need for the justice system to take a strong stance against such crimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the case of Shebeshxt is a serious one, with the musician facing nine charges, including attempted murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances. The incident on October 19, where he allegedly fired a shot at a fan, has raised concerns about the musician’s propensity to commit further offences. The state’s opposition to his release on bail, citing a strong case against him and the likelihood of him committing further offences, has led to the court’s decision to deny bail. The case will now proceed to trial, where the musician will face justice for his alleged crimes. The outcome of the case will be closely watched, and it is hoped that justice will be served.