The trial of lekompo musician Lehlohonolo Chauke, better known as Shebe Maburna or Shebeshxt, has been postponed to May 2027, according to Limpopo National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Mashudu Malabi.
Malabi said Chauke appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court on Thursday for a pre-trial conference, where the matter was postponed to 17–21 May 2027.
According to Malabi, Chauke faces 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, common assault, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, reckless and negligent driving and culpable homicide.
Malabi said the State indicated during the pre-trial conference that it intends to call 22 witnesses.
“The defence indicated that they will indicate to the court how many witnesses they intend to call after familiarising themselves with the case, and that they will be able to provide an outline of their defence,” Malabi said.
She said the defence also indicated that it intends to bring a bail application based on new facts and make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“The defence further indicated that it intends to bring an application for the presiding Magistrate, Ms Felleng Ntilane, to recuse herself on grounds of alleged bias,” Malabi said.
Malabi stressed that the allegation of bias has not been determined by the court and that Ntilane remains seized with the matter pending the outcome of any recusal application.
The trial is scheduled to run from 17 to 21 May 2027.