Polokwane – Popular Lekompo artist Lehlohonolo Chauke, known as Shebeshxt, appeared in the Polokwane Regional Court for the first time on 20 charges including robbery with aggravating circumstances, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, assault, and malicious damage to property.
The charges relate to alleged offences committed between January 2022 and February 2025.
Lehlohonolo “Shebeshxt” Chauke (31) appeared for the first time in the Polokwane Regional Court on charges ranging from robbery and illegal possession of firearms to attempted murder.
He is facing a total of 20 charges, some of which are multiple counts of attempted murder.… pic.twitter.com/8Rzr8u3LWW
— Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (@CrimeWatch_RSA) May 15, 2026
Eleven additional charges were added after his earlier district court appearance, bringing the total from nine to 20.
Defence attorney Michael Khumalo questioned the sharp increase in charges but said the defence would not oppose the expanded charge sheet, stating they believed the state acted “in good faith”.
He also raised concerns that the defence had still not received the investigation docket needed to prepare for trial, with prosecutors promising to hand over the documents the following week.
Shebeshxt Faces 20 Charges After New Additions in Court. Arrested in November 2025 for a shooting, now faces 20 consolidated charges including assaults, firearm offenses, and a 2022 robbery where he and others allegedly took a victim’s cellphone, car battery, and cap while… pic.twitter.com/pOMGiVCtj0
— Peché Africa 🇿🇦 (@pmcafrica) May 15, 2026
Chauke remains behind bars after his latest bail application was dismissed. His legal team is preparing an appeal against the ruling and also raised concerns about his health, requesting medical care while in custody.
The matter was postponed to 28 May 2026 to allow the state to complete disclosure of witness statements to the defence.
