Lekompo musician Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, popularly known as Shebeshxt, is set to stand trial in May 2027, according to reports emerging from his ongoing criminal proceedings.
Also see: Shebeshxt remains in jail after court denies bail again
The Limpopo artist’s case has been before the courts since his arrest in November 2025 following a shooting incident in Polokwane. He is facing several serious charges, including attempted murder, assault, malicious damage to property and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
The case has expanded considerably since Chauke’s initial appearance. In May 2026, the musician appeared before the Polokwane Regional Court as prosecutors formally put 20 charges to him, with 11 additional charges added after his earlier appearances in the magistrates’ court.
Lekompo musician Shebeshxt’s case has been postponed to 17 May 2027 for trial.
The State has brought 22 charges, including four counts of attempted murder, robbery, assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition, culpable homicide and reckless driving. pic.twitter.com/kaLfEnRTMG
— The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) September 10, 2026
Trial date set for 2027
The lengthy wait for trial follows a series of postponements as the prosecution consolidated charges and the defence challenged aspects of the State’s case.
In July 2026, The Citizen initially reported that the matter had again been postponed after Chauke’s defence requested additional time to consult with him regarding newly added charges and to challenge the reinstatement of several previously withdrawn matters.
Unsuccessful bail applications
Chauke has remained in custody after several unsuccessful attempts to secure bail. In April 2026, the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court rejected another bail application.
The court heard arguments concerning the seriousness of the allegations and the State’s concerns about the possibility of further offences if he were released.
According to TimesLive, the prosecution has previously described the case as involving serious offences, while the defence has disputed aspects of the State’s case and challenged it as additional charges were introduced.
He appeared for pre-trial proceedings on Thursday, 10 September 2026. Shebeshxt and his new legal representatives, led by Advocate Mutheiwana Sydwell Sikhwari SC, sought a two-month postponement to prepare. But the request was dismissed, with the pre-trial proceedings going ahead.
Also see: Shebeshxt’s 2nd bail appeal heads to High Court
What happens next?
With the trial reportedly scheduled for May 2027, the case is expected to continue through pre-trial proceedings before the matter reaches a full trial. Further court appearances could still affect the final charges, timetable or trial arrangements.
His legal team still intends to launch a third bail application on new facts at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court.
But for now, Shebeshxt remains an accused person rather than a convicted offender. The May 2027 proceedings will ultimately allow the prosecution and defence to present their respective cases before the court.
Also see: Shebeshxt denied bail: Lekompo star to remain in custody after Polokwane court ruling
Featured image: X/@Am_Blujay
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