Limpopo musician Lehlogonolo Chauke, widely known by his stage name **Shebe Maburna**, will remain in custody until Monday after the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court postponed his bail hearing. The postponement comes as the defence prepares to present its final closing arguments in a case that has captured significant public attention.
Shebe Maburna faces a series of serious charges, including **attempted murder, assault, and possession of an illegal firearm**, among others. The court proceedings resumed with the re-examination of the state’s key witness, investigating officer **Phaladi Makola**, following his cross-examination by defence lawyer **Lot Ramusi**.
During Wednesday’s session, Makola accused Ramusi of interfering with ongoing police investigations, a claim that added tension to an already complex case. He further told the court that the accused regularly boasts online about being able to commit “over 60 offences in a month.” Makola insisted he had video evidence showing the musician allegedly firing a shot at a fan in Ladanna, Polokwane — a claim the defence strongly contests.
Once Makola’s testimony was concluded, defence advocate **Isaac Mokgopo** began presenting his closing arguments. He argued that Shebe Maburna poses no risk to the justice system if released on bail. According to Mokgopo, the State failed to offer any evidence suggesting the musician would evade trial or disrupt court processes. He emphasised that in previous matters where Shebe Maburna had been granted bail, there was no indication of attempts to flee or avoid appearing before the court.
Mokgopo continued to insist that the accused remains a law-abiding citizen, rejecting comparisons made between him and two fugitives mentioned during the hearing. He reminded the court that South African police have the capacity to track down fugitives across borders and that unrelated cases should not be used to justify denying bail to the musician.
“The investigative officer indicated that there are two individuals who are fugitives — one in Malawi and another arrested in Tanzania,” Mokgopo said. “We will not dwell on those cases. They are unrelated, and therefore they cannot be grounds for refusing the applicant bail.”
Despite the legal arguments, procedural issues also came under scrutiny. Magistrate **Godfrey Netshiozwi** expressed frustration over the defence’s late arrival in court, noting that the delays have affected the proceedings. He stressed the need for strict adherence to scheduling when the matter resumes next week.
“Perhaps we should agree on time because we always start late,” Netshiozwi remarked. “The defence arrives late. Monday, what time? Having said that, the case is remanded to Monday, 15 December 2025, for further bail hearing.”
The upcoming session is expected to bring the bail application closer to conclusion as both parties make their final submissions. Meanwhile, the public continues to watch the developments closely, particularly in light of video evidence the State claims links Shebe Maburna to a previous shooting incident.
As more details emerge, Monday’s proceedings will be pivotal in determining whether the embattled musician will await trial behind bars or be released on bail pending further court dates.
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