Shebe Maburna’s second High Court bail appeal fails

Presiding Judge Carrim Pillay delivered the ruling on Wednesday in a packed courtroom filled with the musician’s supporters and family members.

Shebe Maburna had approached the High Court for a second time after the Polokwane Magistrate's Court denied his application on new facts.

In his latest submission, the musician indicated that he was willing to pay R100 000 if granted bail.

SUBMISSIONS DO NOT CONSTITUTE NEW OR EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES

In her judgment, Judge Pillay said the appellant failed to present exceptional circumstances or new facts to justify his release on bail.

“I am of the view that the appellant failed to take the court into confidence in the first instance, nor in the appeal court, nor in this application on bail on new facts which was placed before the appeal court after its refusal,” she said.

She further noted that Chauke did not adequately disclose details about his financial status, including potential earnings from royalties and awards.

“In this regard, he also won two awards, one for best music star and best song, I think, but given no indication as far as whether those awards came with any financial benefit. There is also the aspect of royalties which one would earn as a music star without needing to necessarily work or perform in this point in time”.

Regarding his family circumstances, Pillay said the inability of the appellant to spend quality time with his family, including his newborn child, is a common consequence of incarceration and does not warrant exceptional circumstances.

“Unfortunately, this applies to all awaiting trial inmates; from the record, he is not the primary caregiver to his newborn; his life partner is the primary caregiver.”

On the issue of health, the court heard that Chauke complained of a leg injury requiring urgent medical attention; however, Pillay found that no medical evidence had been presented beyond what was previously considered.

The musician has been in custody since his arrest in November 2025 and faces several charges, including three attempted murders and culpable homicide.

SHEBE SUPPORTERS’ EXPRESS DISAPPOINTMENT

Following the ruling, some of Chauke’s supporters expressed disappointment.

The chairperson of the Limpopo Artist Movement, Mphoza Mashabela, said he believed that people were pushing an agenda, particularly after the judge referred to issues involving royalties and music awards in her judgment.

“There are some people who are pushing an agenda. Some people want to see Shebe Maburna destroyed. So, what I can assure the public is that I have been engaging with the attorney; it is not over. It is not over, but I am not going to reveal our next step now; it is not over until it is over,” Mashabela said.

Chauke remains in custody. His pre-trial conference is expected to take place next month in the Polokwane Regional Court.

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