Lekompo star Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke remains behind bars after his attempted murder case was postponed, with his legal team seeking time to respond to fresh charges and challenge the state’s decision to reinstate several previously withdrawn matters.
Chauke appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court on Friday, where the state amended its charge sheet, adding two new counts; culpable homicide and, alternatively, reckless or negligent driving, while withdrawing one firearm possession charge. The amendments leave the musician facing 21 charges.
The latest developments come after prosecutors earlier expanded the case by adding 11 new charges linked to previous incidents, significantly broadening the legal battle facing the controversial performer. Those charges include allegations ranging from attempted murder and assault to malicious damage to property and other offences.
Representing Chauke, Advocate Nthapeletseng Mathabatha asked the court for a postponement, saying the defence had only received the updated charge sheet the previous evening and needed adequate time to consult with their client.
“The defence needs to be afforded the opportunity to consult with the accused to obtain instructions in relation to those additional charges,” Mathabatha told the court.
Although the defence indicated it would not oppose the addition of the new charges, Mathabatha objected to the inclusion of several previously withdrawn cases into the current proceedings. He argued that the decision to consolidate the matters would be challenged, saying the legal team believes there may have been “an abuse of power.”
The defence plans to first make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), seeking clarity on why the previously withdrawn cases were revived. Should those representations fail, Chauke’s lawyers intend approaching the High Court to review the decision.
The state did not oppose the postponement, acknowledging that the defence required reasonable time to study the new allegations and prepare its response. However, the prosecution maintained that the matter should continue moving through the court process.
In granting the postponement, the magistrate ruled that the delay was necessary to protect Chauke’s constitutional right to consult with his legal team on the newly added charges. The court also directed that a pre-trial conference proceed on 10 September, regardless of whether the defence proceeds with a High Court review. Chauke remains in custody after previously being denied bail.
The high-profile case has attracted widespread public attention since Chauke’s arrest and continues to evolve as prosecutors pursue additional charges while the defence contests the legality of consolidating multiple criminal matters into a single prosecution.
