Two men accused of killing rising Lekompo artist Adifele Lastborn Maimela, popularly known as Fuego, have been remanded in custody after appearing before the Polokwane Magistrates Court on Thursday, 9 April 2026.
The suspects, identified as Masheleng July Mashishi and Karabo Kgoroshi Lucas Mothiba, are facing murder charges following the fatal shooting that took place on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, in Polokwane, Limpopo.
The court ordered that they remain behind bars for eight days, with their next appearance scheduled for Thursday, 16 April, when they are expected to apply for bail.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with fans, fellow musicians, and members of the Limpopo Artists Movement (LAM) attending court proceedings in support of the late artist’s family.
LAM chairman Mphoza Mashabela welcomed the court’s decision to deny bail, saying it brought some relief to those mourning Fuego’s death.
“It’s such a relief that the two suspects did not get bail. We really welcome the decision by the court to deny them bail,” he said. He also confirmed that the organisation had visited the family and pledged support with funeral arrangements.
Authorities allege that the incident stemmed from a dispute involving a woman.
According to Limpopo police spokesperson Malesela Ledwaba, the confrontation began when Mashishi and Mothiba arrived at a residence on Magazyn Street in Polokwane where Fuego was staying with his girlfriend, who reportedly knew the two suspects.
An argument allegedly broke out between Fuego and the pair, which escalated when more people joined the confrontation.
During the chaos, one of the suspects is said to have drawn a firearm and opened fire, striking the musician.
In a further twist, police say the suspects later went to the Polokwane Police Station to report that they had fired shots at individuals they believed had kidnapped a woman.
While they were at the station, authorities received confirmation from a hospital that a gunshot victim matching the incident had been admitted, leading to their immediate arrest.
Ledwaba added that after the shooting, one of the suspects allegedly attempted to help transport Fuego to hospital using his vehicle.
The investigation is ongoing as the suspects remain in custody ahead of their next court appearance.