Lehlohonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke.
The Polokwane Regional Court has postponed the trial of Lehlohonolo Chauke, well known as Shebeshxt, to 17-21 May 2027, following a pre-trial conference held on Thursday.
Chauke is facing 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful possession of ammunition, assault common, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, reckless and negligent driving, and culpable homicide.
During the pre-trial conference, the State indicated 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.
The defence further indicated that it intends to bring a bail application on new facts, make representations to the Director of Public Prosecutions, and bring an application for the presiding Magistrate, Felleng Ntilane, to recuse herself on grounds of alleged bias. The allegation has not been determined by the court, and the Magistrate remains seized with the matter pending the outcome of any recusal application.