Controversial Limpopo rapper and “Rato Laka” hitmaker Shebeshxt — real name Lehlogonolo Katlego Chauke — has allegedly been arrested in Polokwane following a road rage incident that left a motorist critically injured.
The 30-year-old artist, known for hits such as ‘Di Connection,’ ‘Nkampane‘, ‘O Chaba Mang?‘ and ‘Lerato Le Fedile‘ was reportedly apprehended during an intelligence-driven operation in the upmarket suburb of Bendor, outside Polokwane, on Wednesday morning.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Colonel Malesela Ledwaba, “The popular musician was arrested during an intelligence-driven operation. The arrest followed the issuance of a warrant of arrest related to a case of attempted murder.”
The arrest stems from an incident that occurred in the early hours of October 19 along N1 Klip Street in Ladanna, where Shebeshxt allegedly opened fire during a confrontation with another motorist. The 34-year-old victim sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital.
Police seized the suspect’s vehicle for forensic analysis as part of the ongoing investigation.
Limpopo Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Thembi Hadebe praised the investigative and operational teams for their swift work, saying, “We are taking this matter seriously, and a dedicated team was appointed to ensure that no stone is left unturned. The SAPS reiterates that no-one is above the law, regardless of their social standing.”
History of legal controversies
| Year | Alleged Incident | Legal Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Apprehended for assault, attempted murder, and malicious damage to property after allegedly firing four shots in the air at a family home in Ga-Mamaola village. | Denied bail and remained in custody for four months; firearm charges later withdrawn. |
| 2022–2023 | Faced multiple charges for allegedly stabbing three people on different occasions in Lebowakgomo. | Cases ongoing; gun-pointing charges provisionally withdrawn in October 2023. |
| 2024 | Viral videos showed him assaulting fans; he explained these as reactions to provocation while at work. | No significant legal action reported from these specific incidents. |
What Shebeshxt said
In a revealing interview on the L-Tido Podcast, Shebeshxt addressed his controversial reputation for violence toward fans, saying:
“I’m not fighting with them. I hit them once just to show them that I am not fighting and to tell them to relax and not start with me.”
He framed his actions as defensive, adding:
“For them, it’s fun; for me, it’s work. So when they try to provoke me at work, it makes me think they want to make me lose work and go hungry.”
Upcoming court appearance
Police confirmed that the suspect — who may not yet be officially named until he appears before court — is expected to appear in the Polokwane Magistrate’s Court on Thursday on two counts of attempted murder.
Busy festive schedule in jeopardy
The timing of the arrest has raised questions about the fate of Shebeshxt’s jam-packed festive schedule, which includes several high-profile bookings such as Makhadzi’s One Woman Show on December 21 and 22, Shimza and King Monada’s One-Man Shows in Tembisa and Tzaneen on Christmas Day and December 30 respectively, and multiple New Year’s Eve gigs across Limpopo.
As seen in the social media post below, fans are already asking, “Who will now fulfill his bookings?”
The rapper’s arrest has cast a shadow over what was shaping up to be one of the busiest December calendars for any South African artist this year.
In “Rato Laka,” Shebeshxt collaborated with Amapiano sensation Zee Nxumalo, further cementing his place in the national spotlight. His legal troubles now threaten to derail a career that has been both controversial and meteoric.
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