In a dramatic bail hearing at the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Thursday, the lawyer representing popular lekompo artist Shebeshxt—real name Lehlogonolo Chauke—argued that his client's release on bail would “bring joy and celebration to the whole country.” Advocating for his client, lawyer Adv TI Mokgopo emphasised that Shebeshxt enjoys significant support, as evidenced by the crowded gallery filled with fans.
Shebeshxt faces a charge of attempted murder after an incident on October 19, when he allegedly shot a fan who was attempting to greet him in the streets of Polokwane. The musician handed himself over to the police last month and has been in custody since.
Mokgopo challenged the credibility of the investigating officer, W/O Phaladi Makola, alleging that the officer had developed an emotional attachment to the case, thereby compromising his impartiality as a witness. “The investigating officer is not a credible witness because he attached emotions to this matter. He was not considerate of the accused and attached emotions. The investigating officer had already made up his mind on the accused; he is trying to damage his image,” Mokgopo told the court.
During the proceedings, Makola argued that Shebeshxt was “not a suitable candidate” for bail, citing concerns that the artist would commit further offences if released. “If released on bail, he will continue committing other criminal offences,” Makola insisted. He also referenced Shebeshxt’s social media posts, interpreting them as indications of a desire to commit serious crimes, saying, “If you go to the internet, you will see that the applicant always posts that he wants to commit a first-degree offence because he does not have a degree.”
Mokgopo countered these claims by asserting that the state had failed to provide substantive evidence that Shebeshxt's release would undermine public safety or the proper functioning of the justice system. He argued, “The state failed to bring evidence that he will not follow bail conditions. He will not run away from the law. He brought himself to the police.”
“He’s not a fugitive of the law. He does not intend to run away from the law. He can hand over his passport. The state did not bring enough evidence to show that he was prepared to become a fugitive of law for the rest of his life. But, if it happens that he runs from the law, which is unlikely, there’s a process of extradition. He has no economic and financial ties outside of South Africa. So, he will not evade trial,” the lawyer stated.
Additionally, Mokgopo accused Makola of trying to characterise Shebeshxt as a habitual criminal by bringing up his previous charges and convictions during the bail application. “A bail hearing is not a trial; as such, bringing other cases is a matter of trial. Other courts have already dealt with some of these charges. As such, it is not fair to bring them before court. The interest of justice permits that he be released on bail,” Mokgopo reiterated.
The court proceedings were intense, with strong arguments presented by both sides. The matter has been postponed to Monday, leaving fans and supporters of Shebeshxt anxious to see what will unfold in the next phase of this high-profile case. As the courtroom drama continues, the public watches closely, keen to see how the judicial system will address this complex situation involving a beloved artist caught in legal turmoil.
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