Imprisoned Limpopo musician Shebeshxt has encountered another hurdle in his quest for bail.
The musician, known for his controversial Lekompo genre and whose birth name is Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke, will remain locked up as the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court has once again denied his bail on Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Following two unsuccessful attempts for bail, including one at the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court and an appeal to the High Court, Shebeshxt changed his legal team. His new attorney, Michael Khumalo, made a fresh application for bail at the Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 21 April 2026.
On Thursday, the court rejected Chauke’s third bail request, despite presenting what he claimed were new facts. Magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi explained his ruling about the denied bail, regardless of the new claims.
Reasons for Shebeshxt’s Third Bail Denial
The Citizen states that the ruling by Netshiozwi was anchored on Section 60 of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977, and Section 35(1)(f) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which necessitates that the accused demonstrate that their release serves the interests of justice.
In his judgment, Netshiozwi remarked that the newly provided evidence, which included Shebeshxt’s health issues and alleged need for urgent surgery, was deemed insufficient as the musician had not raised any concerns with prison authorities.
The court concluded that the evidence put forth by the defense mirrored information already assessed in prior bail hearings, lacking any legitimate change in circumstances.
“The evidence that has been presented constituted an embroidery of the already known facts which existed even at the time of the initial bail application. This court is simply interpreting the law that applies to this bail application. The consequence thereto, if there are no new facts which have been presented before the court, the law provides that the status quo remains,” the magistrate stated.
Public Reactions to Shebeshxt’s Bail Denial
After the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security announced the latest bail denial for Shebeshxt, there was a variety of public feedback. Some people supported the ruling, whereas others criticized the magistrate, pointing to examples of individuals facing serious allegations who were granted bail.
Here are several comments:
@MoviePlugshz said:
“Polokwane Magistrates Court said NOPE for the 3rd time. Shebeshxt really living the Lekompo life to the fullest 😭”
@BrunoSigwela remarked:
“This man was warned for his behaviour, and he thought he was untouchable.”
@TheAudioLabSA shared:
“Not saying anyone is above the law, but the inconsistency is what people question. Some accused in very serious cases get bail, while others keep getting denied. Make it make sense.”
@MindUrselfPls alleged:
“His lawyers are just coining it from this guy. You can’t really expect a magistrate to grant you bail after you continued committing crimes while on bail.”
