Popular Limpopo musician Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke will remain in custody after the Limpopo High Court dismissed his fourth application for bail.
The ruling marks another setback for the artist, whose legal team had once again approached the court in an effort to secure his temporary release while he awaits the continuation of his criminal proceedings. Despite presenting a new bail proposal, the court found that there were no sufficient grounds to overturn its earlier decisions.
During the hearing, Shebeshxt’s defence, led by Senior Counsel Advocate Laurence Hodes SC, offered a bail amount of R100,000. The legal team argued that the musician should be granted bail while awaiting trial. However, the court ruled that the application failed to meet the legal requirements necessary for bail to be granted.
The judge stated that no new facts or significant changes had been presented since the previous applications that would justify revisiting the earlier rulings. As a result, the application was dismissed, leaving the artist in custody.
This latest decision represents the fourth unsuccessful attempt by Shebeshxt to secure bail. His three previous applications were also rejected, with the courts consistently finding that there were insufficient reasons to grant his release.
Outside the Polokwane High Court, a large number of loyal supporters gathered in anticipation of the ruling. Many had hoped the musician would finally be released and were visibly disappointed when news emerged that the court had once again refused bail.
The crowd had waited for hours outside the courthouse, showing support for the artist as the proceedings unfolded inside. Following the judgment, supporters slowly dispersed after learning that Shebeshxt would remain behind bars.
Although the latest application has been dismissed, the ruling does not bring an end to the legal process. The musician’s main criminal case is still before the courts and will continue in the coming months. The court’s decision on bail relates only to his temporary release and does not determine his guilt or innocence regarding the charges he is facing.
Legal experts note that accused persons may, under certain circumstances, submit another bail application if genuinely new facts emerge that could influence the court’s decision. Whether Shebeshxt’s legal team will pursue another application or focus on preparing for the main trial remains to be seen.
For now, the High Court’s decision means the Limpopo musician will stay in custody as the criminal proceedings continue. The case continues to attract widespread public attention, with supporters closely following every development and hoping for a favourable outcome as the legal process unfolds.
As the matter progresses through the courts, further hearings are expected, with both the prosecution and defence preparing for the next stages of the case.
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