Lehlogonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke, the controversial Lekompo musician, finds his path to freedom obstructed by a sudden and formidable legal challenge after state adds six more charges. His legal representative, Lot Ramusi, has confessed to being blindsided by the prosecution’s decision to add a further six serious charges to the rapper’s existing case file just days before a critical High Court appearance. Ramusi now faces a race against the clock to construct a viable bail application for his client, who remains in custody.
The new charges, which date back to previous incidents and include an active arrest warrant from 2023, have been consolidated with the current attempted murder docket. Ramusi described the court’s move as a tactical surprise that has compromised his preparation. He stated,
“I was not aware of the previous charges and their merit. I still need to consult with Chauke to get clarity. I needed more time to study these added cases so that we can see whether the state has a tight case against my client.”
ALSO READ: Businessman Cat Matlala Reveals The Origins Of His Infamous Nickname
A Fortune in Gigs on the Line for Incarcerated Artist
The urgency of securing bail is compounded by significant financial stakes. Ramusi emphasised that an extended stay behind bars would result in substantial professional losses for the 30-year-old artist from Lebowakgomo. The festive season, a peak period for musical performances, now hangs in the balance.
“He has a lot to lose if he doesn’t get bail,” Ramusi explained. “As you might know, he is one of the most fully booked artists for performances throughout the festive season.”
The potential loss of these bookings could amount to millions of Rands, dealing a severe blow to the musician’s livelihood.
The six additional charges paint a picture of escalating legal trouble. They comprise three distinct counts of attempted murder, one count of possession of an unlicensed firearm, malicious damage to property, and robbery with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. This legal avalanche forces Ramusi to meticulously dissect a much broader case. He confirmed his next steps, saying,
“I will need to go through each and every charge so that I understand the merit of each one. We can then determine whether the state’s case is weak or lacks substance.”
ALSO READ: Shebeshxt’s Bail Hearing Delayed As New Charges Are Laid Against Him
The immediate matter before the court stems from a violent incident on the 19th of October along Witklip Street in Ladanna, outside Polokwane. According to police reports, the suspect became involved in a heated argument with another motorist before allegedly firing multiple shots at the victim’s vehicle. A 34-year-old man sustained serious injuries and required urgent hospitalisation. Following the investigation by the Provincial Investigation Unit, police not only executed an arrest warrant but also impounded two of the suspect’s vehicles for detailed forensic analysis.