Lekompo musician Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, popularly known as Shebeshxt, faced intense questioning after accusing the investigating officer in his criminal case of being biased against him.
The musician made the claim while testifying in his latest bail application before the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court. He is seeking release on new facts after previous applications and appeals failed.
However, state prosecutor Advocate Kgaugelo Lekoloane challenged the allegation and questioned whether Shebeshxt had evidence to support it.
Alleged relationship placed under scrutiny
Shebeshxt claimed investigating officer Captain Phaladi Makola had a personal or family connection with the complainant, identified in court as Ralefatana.
According to the musician, the alleged connection created a conflict of interest and influenced how the case against him was investigated. He also accused Makola of helping to build a case that falsely implicated him in the alleged shooting.
However, the state pressed Shebeshxt to explain the exact nature of the relationship. He admitted that he did not know precisely how Makola and the complainant were allegedly connected.
Shebeshxt said another man, known as Kwenisto, could confirm the relationship. Nevertheless, no supporting affidavit from the man was submitted to the court.
The musician claimed Kwenisto was afraid to provide a statement after allegedly being threatened. The prosecution indicated that Makola would deny being related to the complainant.
As the questioning continued, Lekoloane accused Shebeshxt of avoiding direct answers and presenting claims that were not supported by independent evidence. Shebeshxt rejected the accusation and maintained that he was responding truthfully.
State questions Shebeshxt’s version
The cross-examination also focused on earlier affidavits, the opening of the case docket and Shebeshxt’s account of events surrounding the alleged shooting.
The state questioned why some of the details raised during the latest hearing had not appeared in his previous bail applications. Prosecutors also highlighted differences between information contained in his affidavits and the version he later presented in court.
Shebeshxt said some apparent contradictions resulted from misunderstandings. His legal team argued that the supplementary affidavit clarified or corrected parts of the original document.
One disagreement concerned whether the regional court had refused Shebeshxt bail or had directed him to approach the district court. After the relevant section of his affidavit was read in full, the musician acknowledged that he had misunderstood an earlier question.
Ballistics expert raises questions
Shebeshxt’s defence later called independent forensic ballistics expert Jan Christophell de Klerk.
De Klerk told the court that the material provided to him was insufficient to prove conclusively that a firearm had been discharged during the alleged incident. He also said the documents he examined did not allow him to scientifically confirm that the complainant’s recorded injuries were gunshot wounds.
However, the state challenged the strength of his findings.
During cross-examination, De Klerk acknowledged that he had not visited the scene or conducted a reconstruction. He also did not have access to the complainant’s hospital records, X-rays or CT scans.
Furthermore, the expert based his assessment on material selected and supplied by the defence. The prosecution argued that these limitations weakened his conclusions.
Hearing becomes increasingly tense
The proceedings grew more heated when Shebeshxt’s senior counsel, Advocate Mutheiwana Sikhwari, accused the court and prosecution of treating his client unfairly.
Presiding Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi rejected the accusation. The magistrate maintained that the prosecutor was entitled to question Shebeshxt about information contained in his own affidavits.
The court also indicated that the defence could bring a formal recusal application if it genuinely believed the magistrate was biased.
Shebeshxt has additionally questioned how and when his various cases were centralised. He argued that some charges were not added through the correct procedure and suggested that authorities deliberately waited before bringing further counts against him.
The state disputes his version.
Shebeshxt remains in custody
Shebeshxt faces 21 charges, including attempted murder, assault, malicious damage to property, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and culpable homicide.
The culpable-homicide charge is connected to the 2024 road accident in which his daughter died. Other charges relate to the alleged 2025 shooting in Ladanna, Polokwane.
The musician has denied involvement in the alleged shooting and claims he was framed. His assertions remain disputed by the state and have not been proven by a court.
His latest application represents another attempt to secure his release after unsuccessful bail proceedings and High Court appeals. Meanwhile, his criminal trial is expected to begin in May 2027.
Shebeshxt remains in custody while the court considers the evidence presented by both sides. A bail ruling will determine only whether he may await trial outside prison—it will not decide his guilt or innocence.
