Shebeshxt’s Attempted Murder Trial Postponed as New Charges Are Added
Musician Shebeshxt attempted murder case has been postponed to September after his legal team requested more time to study fresh charges added by the prosecution and consult with their client.
Chauke appeared before the Polokwane Regional Court, where he is facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, assault and other offences linked to separate incidents.
During the proceedings, the State amended the charge sheet by introducing two additional counts relating to culpable homicide and an alternative charge, as well as reckless or negligent driving. Prosecutors also withdrew one firearm possession charge, reducing the total number of charges from 22 to 21.
Also Read: Shebeshxt Bail Appeal Postponed Again as State Seeks More Time
Defence plans to challenge revived cases
Defence advocate Nthapeletseng Mathabatha told the court that his team had only received the amended case documents the previous evening and required time to obtain instructions from Chauke regarding the newly added allegations.
While the defence did not object to the State introducing additional charges, Mathabatha questioned the decision to consolidate several matters that had previously been withdrawn or resolved elsewhere.
He indicated that the defence intends to ask the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to reconsider the decision and may approach the High Court if the disputed counts remain part of the case.
According to the defence, the planned review will argue that the reinstatement of the earlier matters amounted to an abuse of prosecutorial power.
Court sets September date
The prosecution said it had no objection to the defence exercising its constitutional right to make representations to the DPP, acknowledging that sufficient time was needed to consider the amended charges.
The magistrate granted the postponement but stressed that it was based solely on Chauke’s right to consult with his legal team over the newly introduced counts.
The court further directed that a pre-trial conference proceed on 10 September, regardless of whether the defence pursues a review application, saying the matter should not be delayed through piecemeal litigation.
Chauke remains in custody
Chauke was remanded in custody and remains without bail. He is expected to appear virtually when the matter returns to court in September as preparations for the trial continue.