Shebeshxt Faces 21 Charges As Trial Postponed To May 2027
The trial of South African rapper Shebeshxt, has been pushed to May 2027 after his newly appointed legal representative told the Polokwane Regional Court that the defence was not ready to proceed.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed that the postponement followed a pre-trial conference held on Wednesday, with the trial now scheduled to run from 17 to 21 May 2027.
Also Read: Shebeshxt To Remain Behind Bars After Polokwane High Court Rejects Bail Appeal
Defence Requests More Time
According to The Citizen, Limpopo NPA spokesperson Mashudu Malabi said Chauke’s new advocate, Sydwell Sikhwari, indicated that the defence had only recently taken over the matter and needed time to study approximately 500 pages of new documentation.
Sikhwari also raised concerns about the presiding magistrate and indicated that the defence intended to challenge her continued involvement in the case.
However, Magistrate Felleng Ntilane upheld an earlier order stating that changes in legal representation should not be used to delay the proceedings.
She said Chauke’s repeated changes of attorneys were contributing to delays in the case.
“I find that the accused is infringing his own rights because he is changing attorneys now and then,” Ntilane said.
State To Call 22 Witnesses
The prosecution is expected to present a substantial case when the trial eventually gets underway.
According to Malabi, the State told the court during the pre-trial conference that it intends to call 22 witnesses.
The defence has not yet finalised the number of witnesses it intends to call, saying it will provide the court with that information after becoming fully acquainted with the case.
The defence is also expected to outline its position once it has completed its review of the matter.
Shebeshxt Faces 21 Charges
Chauke is facing 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and culpable homicide.
He is also facing charges relating to the alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The charges stem from matters before the Polokwane Regional Court, with the prosecution set to lead its evidence through the 22 witnesses it has identified.
More Legal Challenges Planned
The defence has indicated that the postponement will not be the only legal development before the trial begins.
Malabi said Chauke’s legal team intends to bring a fresh bail application based on new facts and make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
The defence also plans to apply for Ntilane’s recusal, alleging bias.
The NPA stressed that the allegation has not yet been determined by the court, and Ntilane remains seized with the matter pending any formal recusal application.
For now, the trial is scheduled for 17 to 21 May 2027.