Tearaway musician Katlego Lehlogonolo Chauke, better known as Shebeshxt, has enlisted the services of a senior counsel to spearhead his ongoing battle to secure bail.
After suffering three unsuccessful bail applications, the troubled artist has turned to prominent advocate Laurance Hodes SC to take charge of his appeal before Limpopo High Court in Polokwane.
This was disclosed on Friday the artist’s attorney Michael Khumalo who added that Hodes had accepted the brief and had already begun studying the court record.
Khumalo said the Ambulance hitmaker had instructed the legal team to appoint a senior counsel, leading them to secure the services of Hodes, who has built a reputation through his involvement in several high-profile cases.
He explained that Hodes was currently reviewing the extensive court documents before formally taking over the matter.
Hodes recently attracted attention as part of the legal team representing EFF leader Julius Malema in his widely publicised firearm case.
According to Khumalo, Hodes will now lead the high court bail appeal while his law firm remains responsible for instructing counsel and managing the case.
The appointment of the senior advocate resulted in the matter being temporarily removed from the court roll.
Khumalo said the defence informed Judge Karim Pillay of the change in legal representation and requested additional time to allow the newly appointed counsel to familiarise himself with the case.
He said the State, represented by Advocate Eric Mabapa, did not oppose the request, resulting in an agreement between both parties to remove the matter from the roll.
As a result, the defence will no longer be required to proceed with the appeal on the previously scheduled date.
Khumalo said the postponement would provide the legal team with sufficient time to thoroughly prepare the case and examine the large volume of evidence and court documents.
He added that rushing the matter could result in important issues being overlooked and that the additional time would ensure a comprehensive review of all aspects of the case.
Shebeshxt is facing 20 criminal charges, including three counts of attempted murder, with some of the allegations dating back more than a decade to 2015.
Meanwhile, the award-winning musician is expected to return to the Polokwane Regional Court on July 10 for a pre-trial conference as preparations continue for the next phase of his high court bail challenge.