Attempted Murder Case Against Shebeshxt Postponed in Polokwane
The attempted murder case involving popular Limpopo musician Lehlogonolo Chauke, widely known by his stage name Shebeshxt, has been postponed to allow the State additional time to consolidate its evidence and strengthen its case.
The 30-year-old artist appeared briefly before the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, facing three serious criminal charges — attempted murder, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and malicious damage to property.
According to the prosecution, the case is being carefully reviewed to align it with other pending matters involving the accused, which could lead to the charges being elevated in severity.
Attempted Murder Case: Court Appearance and New Developments
During Thursday’s proceedings, the State requested a postponement to merge this attempted murder case with other ongoing investigations against Shebeshxt. Prosecutors told the court that once combined, the case would be upgraded from a Schedule 5 to a Schedule 6 matter — a classification that would make it far more difficult for the musician to secure bail.
“The decision to consolidate the cases is aimed at ensuring that all evidence and related incidents are presented under one comprehensive docket,” said a senior prosecutor familiar with the matter.
Shebeshxt arrived at court under heavy police escort, wearing casual clothes and maintaining a composed demeanor. Witnesses said he walked confidently into the courtroom, even smiling and waving at a crowd of supporters who had gathered in the public gallery to show solidarity.
Despite his calm exterior, the musician now faces a mounting legal battle as authorities tighten their investigation into the alleged shooting incident that sparked the attempted murder case.
The attempted murder case stems from an alleged road-rage shooting that took place in October 2025 in Limpopo. According to police reports, the 30-year-old artist allegedly opened fire on another vehicle during an altercation, leaving a 34-year-old man seriously injured.
Following the incident, police launched an intelligence-driven operation that led to Shebeshxt’s arrest in the upmarket Bendor suburb of Polokwane on Wednesday. The operation, which was coordinated by Limpopo’s organized crime unit, also resulted in the seizure of several luxury vehicles owned by the artist.
“Some of the vehicles were taken in for forensic analysis,” said Limpopo police spokesperson Maselela Ledwaba. “Investigators believe these may hold critical evidence relevant to the ongoing investigation.”
Ledwaba confirmed that the arrest had been carried out under a warrant issued earlier in the week, and praised law enforcement officers for their “swift and professional” execution of the operation.
The prosecution has indicated that more evidence is still being gathered in connection with this attempted murder case. This includes ballistic testing, forensic analysis of seized vehicles, and the review of witness statements from the scene of the shooting.
“The State is working to ensure a watertight case before proceeding,” said an insider close to the investigation. “There are other related matters that need to be aligned for consistency, which is why the case has been postponed.”
Legal experts note that if the case is successfully reclassified under Schedule 6, Shebeshxt would face a tougher path to obtaining bail, as the law presumes that the accused must present exceptional circumstances to justify release.
This development has sparked renewed public attention, especially given the artist’s previous run-ins with the law and his reputation for controversial behavior both online and offline.
Outside the courthouse, dozens of fans gathered in support of the Limpopo rapper, chanting his name and demanding his release. Many held posters reading “Free Shebe,” a phrase that has since trended across social media platforms.
On X (formerly Twitter), supporters shared clips of Shebeshxt’s court appearance, praising his calm and confident demeanor despite the gravity of the charges. Others, however, argued that justice should take its course and that fame should not shield anyone from accountability.
Public opinion remains divided. Some fans believe Shebeshxt is being unfairly targeted due to his outspoken nature and growing influence in the music scene, while others say the attempted murder case should be treated with the seriousness it deserves.
The attempted murder case has been postponed to a later date, which the court will announce once the State finalizes its consolidation process. Until then, Shebeshxt will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.
His next appearance is expected to include arguments around the bail application, depending on whether the case remains under Schedule 5 or is upgraded to Schedule 6.
Police continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the shooting, and forensic teams are expected to submit their reports within the coming weeks.
As the case unfolds, Shebeshxt faces an uncertain future. Once celebrated for his raw and unapologetic musical style, the artist now finds himself at the center of a high-profile attempted murder case that could have far-reaching consequences for both his career and his freedom.
Source- EWN
