The legal woes surrounding controversial Limpopo Lekompo artist Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, widely known as Shebeshxt, have intensified. During his latest appearance before the Polokwane Regional Court, the musician was slapped with severe additional charges stemming from the devastating motor vehicle accident that shook the nation two years ago.
The court confirmed that Shebeshxt is now formally facing charges of culpable homicide and reckless or negligent driving. These new counts are directly tied to the tragic head-on collision on June 8, 2024, which claimed the life of his beloved 9-year-old daughter, Onthatile Chuene.
Inside the Polokwane Regional Court Hearing
Shebeshxt appeared in the dock on Friday, July 10, 2026, for a scheduled pre-trial conference. The entry of the culpable homicide indictments adds substantial weight to an already packed criminal sheet.
Beyond the new accident-related charges, the state’s ongoing prosecution includes a mountain of older, unrelated cases compiled against the artist over recent years:
- Attempted murder
- Assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm (GBH)
- Malicious damage to property
- Unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition
The fatal crash occurred on the notorious R37 highway near Smelters, outside Polokwane, while the rapper was traveling to a performance in Lebowakgomo. While young Onthatile tragically died at the scene, Shebeshxt and his girlfriend survived with severe injuries that required prolonged hospitalization.
Defense Granted 60 Days to Centralize Cases
Presiding Magistrate Felleng Ntilane officially postponed the matter to September 10, 2026, for further pre-trial proceedings.
The two-month window was granted to give Shebeshxt’s legal defense team ample time to approach the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The defense intends to apply for a centralization of charges, aiming to consolidate all outstanding criminal cases against the artist currently scattered across the Mankweng, Seshego, and Lebowakgomo jurisdictions into a single trial.
Editorial Note: In accordance with the South African constitution, Shebeshxt remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a competent court of law.
