Shebeshxt’s Mall Visit Was Not a Sign of Freedom, Lawyer Says

A viral video showing Shebeshxt at a Polokwane shopping centre sparked speculation that the musician had been released from custody. But the outing was a court-approved trip, not a bail decision, according to the account of his latest court proceedings. Shebeshxt, whose real name is Katlego Lehlogonolo Chauke, was filmed at Mall of the North on Tuesday, 10 November, accompanied by the investigating officer in his case, Captain Phaladi Makola, and his legal representative. Supporters gathered as he walked towards a police vehicle, and the footage prompted questions about whether he was free to go home. The report says the visit followed a request made in court the previous day. His lawyer, Advocate Mutheiwana Sikhwari SC, asked permission for Chauke to be escorted to a bank to deal with account-related matters. The request was intended to allow his partner, Kholo, to access funds in the account, Sikhwari told the magistrate. Presiding magistrate Godfrey Netshiozwi approved the request and directed police to escort the musician. The trip therefore did not mean that bail had been granted, and Chauke remains in custody while pursuing bail under new facts. The musician faces 21 charges, including four counts of attempted murder and culpable homicide, according to the report. It describes the application as his fifth overall bail attempt since his arrest on 12 November 2025, with earlier attempts unsuccessful. Chauke was due back at Polokwane Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 11 November, for the next stage of the proceedings.