Shebe Maburna Defence to Seek Magistrate’s Recusal Over Alleged Bias

ERNEST MABASA|September 11, 2026

Lehlohonolo “Shebe Maburna” Chauke’s defence team is preparing to launch a legal challenge against the presiding judicial officer, alleging that she is biased in the handling of the case. Photo: MetroFM

The defence team representing controversial Limpopo musician and social media personality Lehlohonolo Chauke, popularly known as Shebe Maburna, is preparing to launch a legal challenge against the presiding judicial officer, alleging that she is biased in the handling of the case.

The dramatic development emerged during a pre-trial conference at the Polokwane Regional Court on Thursday, where Chauke’s trial was postponed to 17–21 May 2027.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the defence indicated that it intends to bring an application seeking the recusal of Magistrate Felleng Ntilane on grounds of alleged bias.

The allegation has not been determined by the court, and Ntilane remains seized with the matter pending the outcome of any recusal application.

The planned recusal application is among several legal avenues Chauke’s defence intends to pursue as it prepares for the trial.

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 Lekompo artist 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.

The State told the court that it intends to call 22 witnesses during the trial.

The defence has not yet confirmed how many witnesses it will call, saying it first needs to familiarise itself with the case before providing the court with an outline of its defence.

The planned recusal application could add another legal hurdle before the substantive trial gets under way, as the defence seeks to challenge the continued involvement of the presiding judicial officer.

However, the NPA stressed that the allegation of bias remains just that, and has not been determined by the court.

The matter will return to the Polokwane Regional Court in May next year, when the long-awaited trial is scheduled to commence.