On December 8, 2025, Polokwane Magistrate’s Court rejected the bail application of Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, popularly known as Shebeshxt. The 29-year-old Limpopo-born Lekompo artist now remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for January 19, 2026.
Shebeshxt faces nine charges, including three counts of attempted murder linked to a violent incident in Ladanna in October 2025. Prosecutors allege that during the October 7 confrontation, Shebeshxt drew an unlicensed firearm and shot two men approaching him—one sustained an arm wound, the other a leg injury. One victim remains hospitalized, and the weapon has yet to be recovered.
Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola, from the Limpopo Provincial Investigating Unit, testified that Shebeshxt allegedly forged documents to withdraw a previous victim statement. The court will revisit past cases with withdrawn complaints to examine possible forged signatures, intensifying scrutiny on Shebeshxt’s legal history.
Previously, Shebeshxt was granted bail on R5,000 for attempted murder charges in 2022 and 2023 related to incidents in Lebowakgomo. Prosecutors now seek to consolidate those cases with the current docket.
Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi denied bail, citing the risk of tampering with evidence and ongoing dangers, effectively keeping Shebeshxt behind bars through the festive season. During the hearing, prosecutors described a pattern of violence and highlighted Shebeshxt’s criminal record, including a 2018 theft conviction, as well as accusations involving assault, robbery, and negligent firearm discharge.
Shebeshxt’s defense argued for bail based on family responsibilities and substantial lost income—estimated at R3 million—from canceled performances during the holiday period. However, the state opposed this, emphasizing public safety concerns.
The case has drawn wide attention, sparking debate over celebrity accountability in South Africa’s township music scene. Shebeshxt’s blend of raw Lekompo and amapiano music, alongside his streetwise image, has earned him a loyal youth following but also conflict with law enforcement and rivals.
Key Timeline Around Bail Hearing:
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December 6, 2025: Fans speculate on social media about the upcoming bail hearing as final preparations are reported.
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December 8, 2025 (10 a.m.): Shebeshxt appears in Polokwane Magistrate’s Court amid heavy media presence.
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December 8, 2025 (Afternoon): Warrant Officer Makola testifies on alleged document forgery related to victim affidavits.
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December 8, 2025 (2 p.m.): Magistrate Netshiozwi refuses bail, scheduling the next hearing for January 19, 2026.
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December 8, 2025 (Evening): News spreads widely on social media, with thousands engaging in debates about justice and lost gigs.
People Involved:
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Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke: 29-year-old Lekompo artist facing multiple serious charges.
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Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi: Presiding judge who denied bail.
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Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola: Lead investigator providing testimony on the shooting and forgery allegations.
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National Prosecuting Authority (NPA): State agency advocating for remand over release.
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Unnamed victims: Two men shot in the October incident, central to the ongoing investigation.
This ongoing case highlights tensions between the rising Lekompo music scene’s vibrancy and challenges concerning accountability for public figures in South Africa. The artist’s future legal battles will likely shape his career amid an industry sensitive to controversy.
