Shebeshxt during the EFF’s Tshela Thupa Rally at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 25 May 2024, in Polokwane. (Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
- The Chauke family is grateful to EFF leader Julius Malema for his swift intervention when they called on him as Limpopo rapper Shebeshxt’s life hung in the balance.
- Shebeshxt, whose real name is Lehlogonolo Chauke, was involved in an accident that claimed his nine-year-old daughter’s life.
- His fiancé, the third occupant in the vehicle, sustained injuries to her face but is home and “managing well”.
The family of Limpopo’s Shebeshxt is grateful to EFF leader Julius Malema for his swift intervention when they called on him for assistance after the rapper was involved in an accident which left him with several injuries and claimed the life of his nine-year-old daughter, Onthatile.
Per family spokesperson Lot Ramusi, Malema organised for Shebe, as he is fondly referred to, to be transported to a private hospital and footed the bill for his medical expenses.
“I personally called Julius Malema on Saturday, at midnight, after getting calls from Shebeshxt’s friend, Naqua, informing me that the government hospital is unable to accommodate him,” Ramusi explained to News24.
Shebe’s accident happened Saturday evening when his charcoal Volkswagen Polo collided with a heavy motor vehicle and overturned. He sustained a broken leg, fractures to his rib cage and injuries to his body and head, while his fiancé, who was the third occupant in the vehicle, escaped with bruises to her face, specifically around the mouth and eyes.
Ramusi said she was at home and “managing well”.
“I called Julius then, and he immediately sent his people to help. Shebeshxt was ferried to a private hospital where Julius Malema paid all the medical bills. This was done because we were fearing for Shebeshxt’s life as he was complaining about not being able to breathe,” he continued.
“To that extent, we would like to thank Mr Malema for his selfless role in saving Shebeshxt’s life.”
EFF spokesperson Leigh-Ann Mathys has been contacted for comment, and it will be added once received.
Shebeshxt with Julius Malema during the EFF Tshela Thupa Rally at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 25 May 2024, in Polokwane, South Africa. (Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
Sharing an update on the rapper’s condition, on Wednesday, Ramusi said Shebe was “undergoing different procedures in hospital”, adding he would share a further update after getting a brief from his medical team.
A day earlier, he said the family was holding off on making funeral arrangements for his daughter because they were waiting to hear if there was a chance Shebe would be able to attend.
The tragic accident marked the rapper’s second in less than six months. At the beginning of the year, Shebe was involved in a crash which saw his white Volkswagen Polo GTI written off.
Following news of the accident, Shebe’s history of allegedly driving recklessly while not wearing a seatbelt, along with an incident where he reportedly pulled out a gun from his backpack and flashed it during a performance, has been brought up.
“This is not the right time for people to point fingers. Let us support the family without blaming him,” Limpopo Artists Movement chairperson Mphoza Mashabela said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Shebe and his family during this difficult time. We cannot imagine the pain and grief they must be experiencing, but we want them to know that they are not alone.”