From allegations of attempted murder and robbery to firearm offences and a fatal road collision, Lehlogonolo Katlego “Shebe” Chauke’s criminal case has expanded into a 21-count legal battle, with the Lekompo musician now pinning fresh hopes of release on bail on what his defence describes as significant new facts.

Polokwane Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi has on Thursday postponed Chauke’s latest bail application to 26 October 2026, allowing the State and defence more time to study the newly submitted affidavit and prepare for cross-examination.

The 133-page affidavit, dated 7 and 8 October, challenges key aspects of the prosecution’s case, questions the handling of investigations and raises concerns about charges that Chauke says were withdrawn before some matters were brought back into the consolidated case.

The defence is expected to rely heavily on its challenge to the State’s version of an alleged shooting in Ladanna, Polokwane, on 19 October 2025.

The shooting allegation at the centre of the bail battle

According to the State, Chauke allegedly attempted to murder Petrus Ralefatana by shooting him in the head. He is also accused of attempting to kill Tebalelo Bredios Mafagane by firing into his Nissan Sentra during the same alleged incident.

The State further alleges that Chauke unlawfully possessed a firearm and ammunition in connection with the incident.

Chauke denies involvement. In his affidavit, he maintains that the shooting never happened in the manner alleged and claims he has been framed.

To support his argument, the defence relies on a forensic ballistics assessment by ‘experienced’ Christo de Klerk, which Chauke says contradicts the State’s version and the accounts attributed to Ralefatana and another witness.

The affidavit argues that the police docket disclosed to the defence did not contain a State forensic ballistic report establishing whether Ralefatana’s injuries were consistent with a gunshot wound or identifying the relevant ammunition and trajectory.

A missing witness and questions about the investigation

Another key issue raised in the affidavit concerns Lehlohonolo Molapo, whom Chauke says was with him during the journey from Gauteng, after a podcast shoot, around the time of the alleged shooting.

Chauke alleges that police had not obtained Molapo’s statement when the docket was disclosed. He says Molapo could support his version that they did not encounter or have an altercation with the complainants as alleged.

The affidavit also argues that the investigation has been completed, reducing the risk that Chauke could interfere with outstanding investigative steps if released on bail.

Chauke further raises concerns about the investigating officer’s alleged relationship with the complainant and accuses the prosecution of failing to respond adequately to representations submitted on his behalf.

From cellphone robbery allegations to attempted murder

Among the allegations Chauke faces are:

• Attempted murder: The State alleges that he attempted to kill Ralefatana and Mafagane during the October 2025 incident. Other attempted-murder allegations relate to separate incidents in Lebowakgomo in October 2022 and February 2023.
• Robbery with aggravating circumstances: The State alleges that Chauke, acting with unidentified accomplices, robbed victims of personal property. One allegation concerns a Samsung J4 cellphone valued at R1,800, while another involves a Huawei cellphone valued at R6,000 and a car battery worth R2,500.
• Firearm and ammunition offences: The charge sheet includes allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition, as well as discharging a firearm in a built-up area in Mamaolo village.
• Assault: Separate allegations concern incidents at the University of Limpopo in May 2024 and in Mankweng in February 2025. The State also alleges a more serious assault involving a knife in Lebowakgomo.
• Property damage: Chauke is accused of damaging four vehicle tyres belonging to Michael Mautsane Molepo.
• Culpable homicide: The State alleges that negligent driving contributed to a collision on the R37 in June 2024 in which Onthatile Gladys Chuene died.

Withdrawn charges become part of the dispute

A further dispute concerns the status of charges previously withdrawn and subsequently included in the proceedings.

In his affidavit, Chauke argues that some charges were brought back without new evidence or statements that would justify their reinstatement. He contends that the changing number of charges and the addition of further matters are relevant to his renewed bail application.

The affidavit records that Chauke faced nine charges during his first bail application, 19 during his second, and subsequently faced additional charges relating to the fatal collision and driving allegations.

The defence argues that these developments should be considered alongside the newly obtained docket material when the court assesses whether exceptional circumstances justify his release.