Limpopo artist Lehlohonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke (30) case drags on and this time one of his lawyers is accusing the cops of playing dirty.
In the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Thursday, 11 December, Shebe’s lawyer T.I. Mokgopo under the instructions of Ramusi Attorneys tore into the investigating officer, Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola, claiming he used “back-door information” to beef up charges against the singer.
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Mokgopo who was giving closing remarks on Shebe’s bail hearing didn’t mince his words when he told the court that Makola’s evidence-in-chief, presented on Monday, 8 December, was shaky and unreliable.
“The state witness was not credible and his evidence should be frowned upon,” he said.
According to Mokgopo, the state smuggled in information to paint Shebe as a lawbreaker who is “always in and out of court”.
“These matters were brought through the back door to mislead the court and the public,” he argued.
“It’s our submission that the state relied on public pressure to add more charges without checking the status of his previous cases.”
Mokgopo also reminded the court that Shebe is a popular musician who stands to lose serious money if he stays behind bars.
He insisted there was no proof that releasing the artist on bail would cause chaos.
“The state brought no evidence that the applicant’s release will cause public disorder,” he said.
“In fact, his release will spark celebrations. He even submitted his gig guide from November to January.”
The matter was postponed to Monday, 15 December for Mokgopo to wrap up his argument and for the court to deliver its bail judgement.
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Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi said time had run out for the day.
“Once the defence closes its argument, the court will ensure judgement is delivered urgently,” he said.
