Controversial king of lekompo music Shebeshxt will continue languishing in jail after the Polokwane High Court threw out his latest application to be released on R100,000 bail.
The court ruled on Wednesday that his legal team had failed to present new facts that justified overturning earlier decisions refusing him bail.
Shebeshxt’s latest bid for freedom was based on what the defence described as fresh evidence, including claims that the Department of Correctional Services had failed to provide him with urgent medical treatment.
His lawyers argued that the musician still requires surgery after screws inserted into his leg following a motor vehicle accident allegedly became loose before his arrest.
The defence submitted that the lack of medical treatment amounted to a new circumstance that warranted the court reconsidering his bail application.
His legal team also relied on the birth of his child while he was in custody, the completion of police investigations, his financial hardship and what they described as procedural irregularities during earlier bail proceedings.
During arguments last week, Advocate Laurence Hodes SC told the court that Shebeshxt had repeatedly requested medical treatment but had not received the recommended surgery.
Hodes said his client was prepared to pay R100,000 bail if released and would comply with any conditions imposed by the court, including house arrest or electronic monitoring.
The State opposed the application, arguing that the issues raised by the defence did not constitute genuinely new facts and insisting that Shebeshxt should remain in custody pending trial.
The High Court agreed with the State’s submissions and dismissed the application, leaving the musician behind bars.
Shebeshxt has been in custody since November 2025 and is facing 21 charges, including attempted murder, assault, culpable homicide, and reckless and negligent driving.
The State has since withdrawn a charge of illegal possession of a firearm.
His criminal case will continue in the Polokwane Regional Court, where he remains in custody awaiting trial.
