Polokwane – The Polokwane Magistrate's Court has heard damning testimony regarding the alleged criminal activities of Lekompo artist Lehlogonolo Chauke, known professionally as Shebeshxt. During a bail application hearing on Monday, an investigating officer revealed that police have been aware of Shebeshxt's involvement in criminal behaviour since 2015, including two unresolved attempted murder cases.
Warrant Officer Phaladi Makola, testifying before the court, stated that the man Shebeshxt allegedly shot on 19 October remains in hospital. The incident, which led to the current charges against the musician, allegedly occurred when Shebeshxt fired upon a fan while driving on a street in Polokwane.
"The firearm used in this matter has not yet been recovered," Makola confirmed, "but they have obtained the bullet or projectile, which has been sent to ballistics for investigation. The investigation into that ballistic report [is still pending]."
Further complicating matters for the artist, Makola detailed another attempted murder case linked to Shebeshxt, stemming from an incident at a music concert in Seshego. According to reports, the victim in that case attempted to greet Shebeshxt when a firearm was produced, and the victim was shot at. The weapon used in the Seshego shooting was also never recovered.
Makola also told the court that, on the day of the Seshego concert incident, Chauke was in the company of a certain Thabiso Malatjie. Police are currently seeking Malatjie and have obtained a warrant for his arrest, alleging that he was the individual who discharged the firearm during the Seshego concert incident.
The investigating officer painted a picture of Shebeshxt's life as one marred by criminal activity. He informed the court that in 2018, Shebeshxt pleaded guilty to a theft charge in the Lebowakgomo Regional Court, resulting in a fine of R300.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Makola revealed that Shebeshxt has two other pending attempted murder cases, registered at the Lebowakgomo police station. These cases relate to incidents that occurred in October 2022 and February 2023, respectively. In both instances, Shebeshxt was granted bail of R5,000.
"His bail conditions were not to commit any schedule 1 offences," Makola emphasised.
Furthermore, Makola stated that Shebeshxt has a separate pending criminal case that is scheduled to go to trial at the Lebowakgomo Regional Court in February. The nature of this case was not specified during the hearing.
The state has also raised concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of some of the previous cases against Shebeshxt, suggesting potential irregularities in the legal proceedings. The details of these questionable withdrawals were not elaborated upon in court.
The bail hearing is ongoing, and the court is yet to make a determination on whether Shebeshxt will be granted bail in the current attempted murder case. The revelations made during the hearing have cast a dark shadow over the musician's career and raised serious questions about his past conduct and adherence to the law. The outcome of the bail application and subsequent legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely watched by the public and the music industry alike.
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