Key Takeaways:
- Lehlogonolo "Shebeshxt" Chauke, a popular musician, has been denied bail and will remain in jail until at least December 8
- Chauke is facing nine counts, including three attempted murders, assault GBH, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm
- The case has been upgraded to a Schedule 6 offence, which is a category reserved for the most serious crimes
- Chauke’s lawyers argued that he should be granted bail so he can support his family, including his unemployed parents and pregnant partner
- The state opposed Chauke’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the firearm used in the incident has not been recovered
Introduction to the Case
The popular musician Lehlogonolo "Shebeshxt" Chauke will remain behind bars at least until December 8 after his bail application was postponed again. Chauke was arrested on November 12, 2025, at his home in Bendor, Polokwane, after a warrant was issued in connection with an alleged shooting incident in Limpopo. The police also seized his vehicles for forensic analysis. Chauke returned to the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday for a bail application, but the case was postponed again due to the state’s opposition to his bail.
The Charges Against Chauke
Chauke is accused of nine counts, including three attempted murders, assault GBH, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. The initial case stems from an alleged altercation on October 19 in Polokwane, where a 34-year-old man was shot and seriously injured. The victim has remained in hospital since the day of the incident. The state added six more charges to the initial case, which has been upgraded to a Schedule 6 offence, a category reserved for the most serious crimes, often involving violence or the use of a firearm.
Chauke’s Bail Application
Chauke’s lawyer, Adv. Lot Ramusi, argued that his client should be granted bail so he can support his family, including his unemployed parents and pregnant partner. Chauke stated in his affidavit that he wants to be granted bail so he can support his parents, to whom he sends R25,000 each per month. He also pays R5,000 in maintenance per month for his eight-year-old daughter, who is in Grade 2 and stays with her mother in Krugersdorp. Additionally, Chauke supports his pregnant partner’s family with R18,000 per month. However, the state opposed Chauke’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the firearm used in the incident has not been recovered.
The State’s Opposition to Bail
The state’s opposition to Chauke’s bail application is based on the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the firearm used in the incident has not been recovered. Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola explained that the victim has remained in hospital since the day of the incident and that the firearm used in the incident has allegedly not been recovered because Chauke did not want to surrender the gun. Makola also explained the damage caused by the bullet, stating that the rear passenger window was totally broken and the headrest was damaged by the same bullet. The officer added that the headrest reduced the speed of the bullet, which could have killed the victim if it had not been stopped.
The Postponement of the Case
The case has been postponed to December 8, when Makola will continue testifying. Chauke was arrested on November 12, 2025, at his home in Bendor, Polokwane, after police executed a warrant relating to the October incident. His vehicles were also seized for forensic analysis. The Citizen previously reported that the state upgraded the case to a Schedule 6 offence, which means that Chauke must demonstrate "exceptional circumstances" before bail can be granted. The postponement of the case means that Chauke will have to remain in jail until at least December 8, when the case will be heard again.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the case against Lehlogonolo "Shebeshxt" Chauke is a serious one, with the state opposing his bail application due to the seriousness of the charges and the fact that the firearm used in the incident has not been recovered. Chauke’s lawyers argued that he should be granted bail so he can support his family, but the state’s opposition means that he will have to remain in jail until at least December 8. The case has been upgraded to a Schedule 6 offence, which is a category reserved for the most serious crimes, and Chauke must demonstrate "exceptional circumstances" before bail can be granted. The outcome of the case is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: Chauke’s freedom is at stake, and the consequences of his actions will be severe if he is found guilty.