Shebeshxt denied bail again, faces Christmas in jail

By Patrick Makinita

Popular Limpopo Lekompo musician Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke ,30, better known as Shebeshxt, will spend Christmas behind bars after the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court denied him bail on Wednesday.

The controversial “Lerato Laka” hitmaker faces nine serious charges, including three counts of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, malicious damage to property, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, discharge of a firearm, as well as possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.

Shebeshxt, also known as Shebe Maburna, was arrested on October 19 following a shooting incident in Ladanna, Polokwane.

According to court papers, the Lekompo sensation allegedly shot and wounded a motorist during an altercation. The bullet reportedly struck the complainant in the neck and jaw, while the vehicle window of a witness was damaged. The injured victim was rushed to hospital, where he has remained hospitalised since the incident.

His lawyer, Advocate Isaac Makgopo, acting on instructions from Ramusi Attorneys, applied for R50,000 bail during a hearing that began on Monday, December 8. The state opposed the application, citing the musician’s history of repeated run-ins with the law.

In handing down his ruling, Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi said the defence had failed to demonstrate exceptional circumstances warranting the accused’s release.

“It is in the conduct and the personality of the accused that caused the court to invoke the provisions which it has read into record. The accused failed to discharge the onus that exceptional circumstances exist which would make it in the interest of justice for him to be admitted to bail,” said Netshiozwi.

The magistrate added that the state had a strong case and that there was a likelihood the accused could commit further offences if released.

The bail refusal has dealt a major financial blow to the artist, who was scheduled to perform at various festive-season events across the country and is now expected to refund deposits paid by event organisers.

Following the ruling, some supporters accused the court of bias, with others calling for his release to allow him to honour his bookings. The court, however, stood firm.

The case was postponed to February 2026, when Shebeshxt is expected to make another bail application.