Musician Lehlogonolo Chauke, known as Shebeshxt, remains in custody after a Polokwane magistrate’s court heard disturbing details regarding the condition of the alleged victim in his attempted murder case.
During his bail application hearing on Thursday, the investigating officer, W/O Phaladi Makola, testified that the man allegedly shot by Chauke on October 19 spent four days in a coma and remains hospitalized.
Details of the Incident and Charges
Chauke is facing nine charges, including attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and assault, stemming from allegedly opening fire on fans in Polokwane earlier this month.
W/O Makola, from the Limpopo police investigating unit, provided the court with the following details about the shooting:
- The Encounter: Two individuals in a Nissan spotted Chauke in a blue VW on Witklip Street in Ladanna and attempted to greet him.
- Alleged Aggression: According to Makola, the “Lekompo” hitmaker responded aggressively, reportedly saying, “Kgane a le tlale ka nna,” which translates to “You don’t respect me or don’t know who I am.”
- The Shooting: When the vehicles were side-by-side, Chauke allegedly pulled out a gun and fired a shot. The bullet hit the rear window, struck the driver’s headrest, and hit the passenger (the victim) on the cheek.
- Firearm Status: Makola confirmed that Chauke does not hold a license for any firearm, and the weapon used in the incident has not yet been recovered.
Bail Application and State Opposition
Shebeshxt’s lawyer, Lot Ramusi, requested that the court grant him R50,000 bail. Chauke insisted he is not a danger to the community and has no intention of interfering with witnesses, stating:
“I will comply with court orders. I won’t interfere with the evidence or contact witnesses… I am not a threat to the community.”
He also stated he is the breadwinner for his unemployed parents and partner, has no family outside South Africa, and is willing to surrender his passport.
The court also heard that despite the state’s opposition to bail, some complainants visited the police station on Thursday to withdraw their statements, indicating they no longer wished to continue with the case.
Shebeshxt remains in custody, and the bail hearing has been postponed to December 8 for continuation.
