Lekompo star Lehlohonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke will remain behind bars for at least another month, as his legal woes mount while his family life takes a dramatic turn outside prison walls.
The 30-year-old rapper, known for his explosive stage presence and smash hit Ambulance, is accused of a string of violent offences and has been denied bail, even as his partner welcomed their newborn baby without him by her side.
“He missed all his festive season bookings, Christmas, New Year’s, and now the birth of his daughter.”
Denied bail as a Schedule 6 offender
Shebeshxt’s bail application was dismissed on 9 January, with the court finding that he poses too high a risk to be released.
He is classified as a Schedule 6 offender, the most serious category, which includes grave crimes and places a heavy burden on the accused to prove why they should be granted bail.
The Polokwane Magistrate’s Court ruled that there was a likelihood he might commit similar offences, noting that many of the allegations against him stem from incidents during his music performances.
Acting Judge AJ Burnett, presiding over the matter on appeal, found no reason to overturn the initial bail refusal.
“The appellant has simply not met the challenge of proving exceptional circumstances. I accordingly find that the learned magistrate did exercise his discretion correctly,” she concluded.
As a result, the Lekompo artist will remain behind bars until at least 18 February 2026, when his case is scheduled to resume.
Facing nine assault charges and three attempted murders
Shebeshxt is confronting nine charges of assault, including three counts of attempted murder.
One of his alleged victims is a fan who claims the musician shot and wounded him at an event in Ladanna, Polokwane, in October 2025.
The state argued that the pattern of allegations – many linked to his music gigs – shows a worrying trend that makes him a danger if released. The court agreed, emphasising both the seriousness of the charges and his alleged conduct while performing.
A lost festive fortune
His time in custody has come at a steep financial cost.
Shebeshxt, one of Limpopo’s most in-demand performers, missed all his festive season bookings, including Christmas and New Year’s shows – a period that can make or break an artist’s annual income.
Industry estimates suggest that he could have earned more than R1 million over the festive season had he been on stage instead of in a cell.
Instead, the rapper has spent that time waiting for his next day in court, cut off from his usual whirlwind of performances and public appearances.
New baby arrives while father is in prison
While his legal troubles intensify, life has moved on for his family.
In the midst of his incarceration, his partner Kholofelo Moloto gave birth to their newborn baby. The manager of the Ambulance hitmaker confirmed that the couple welcomed the baby in December, adding that Kholofelo is surrounded by support.
The manager said she has all the support from family and friends, but added that they cannot reveal all details around the baby’s arrival.
This is the couple’s second child.
Kholofelo shared the news of the baby’s birth with fans on social media, and later opened up about the emotional strain of becoming a mother again without her partner present.
Speaking to Drum, Kholofelo said it has been a difficult time.
“It’s not easy, but we are trying, and things will be okay.”
Still grieving a daughter lost in a crash
The joy of welcoming a new baby comes against the backdrop of a deep family tragedy that Shebeshxt has spoken about publicly.
In 2024, the couple lost their daughter, Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke (9), in a tragic car crash in June 2024. At the time, he was on his way to drop off his partner and daughter before heading to an event where he had been booked to perform.
Speaking about the accident on the EFF Podcast, Shebeshxt shared harrowing details of his last moments with his child.
“It happened on a Saturday; I had to drop my daughter and my partner off in Lebowakgomo. I also had a gig that day and had to fetch the guys in Lebowakgomo, so I took my partner and daughter with me because their appointment was in Lebowakgomo,” he said.
“There is a petrol station called MBT. We parked there because I had to withdraw money. My partner and late daughter went to the shops to buy snacks. I poured petrol, and that’s the last recollection I have. I don’t remember starting the car and leaving.”
He stressed that he was not under the influence of alcohol and that he is always very cautious when his daughter is with him.
“I was one hundred percent sober. I had not drunk any alcohol. I can’t say I was speeding because I don’t do that when I’m with my daughter. I remember kissing her and tightening her safety belt. Where we got in the accident is not that far from the garage. Even now, we don’t remember anything.”
The unresolved pain of that loss still hangs heavily over the family as they adjust to life with a new baby and a father behind bars.
Between a rising career and a cell
Once celebrated for his high-energy performances and street credibility, Shebeshxt now finds himself at a crossroads: his career stalled, his freedom restricted, and his family life split between joy and heartbreak.
For now, he remains in custody as a Schedule 6 accused, with the court firm that he has not shown the “exceptional circumstances” needed to justify bail.
Until the case returns to court on 18 February 2026, the artist who once dominated stages will continue watching his life unfold from a prison cell – missing bookings, holidays and milestones, including the early days of his newborn daughter’s life.
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