Leonard Kaboy Makili granted bail in theft case

After spending nearly nine months in custody for allegedly stealing cellphones in two separate incidents, Kwaito artist Leonard Kaboy Makili (27), popularly known as Kaboy Kamakili, was granted bail of N$3 000 at the Ondangwa Magistrate’s Court yesterday. 

Though he is widely known for his hit songs, including 'Push Harder', which urges youth to strive for success, the court heard a very different story about his alleged penchant for crime.

Because of his pending cases, the State has moved to combine two of Makili’s criminal cases, alleging that he targeted multiple people to steal expensive cellphones across the region.

He was first arrested on 29 May 2025 in connection with these crimes.

When Makili first appeared in court on 2 June 2025, the prosecution opposed granting him bail, citing fears he might flee and noting a pending case in Oshikango. He was eventually released, only to be arrested again on 9 August 2025 for a separate theft.

In one alleged incident, Makili reportedly entered the Commercial College in Ondangwa on 20 February 2025 and stole a Huawei NOVA Y62 phone belonging to Elizabeth Paulus, valued at N$7 000. The artist reportedly did not stop there.

He is also accused of stealing another phone in the Okangwena area on 12 April 2025. In that case, he allegedly took a Samsung A32 valued at N$4 800 from Ndjambula Jeremia.

Alleged offences

In his popular song 'Push Harder', Makili sings, "I'm just advising and encouraging everyone... winners don't quit and quitters don't win." 

Instead of pushing hard in the studio, he is accused of pushing his luck on the streets. Magistrate Nelao Ya France presided over the matter yesterday, where the artist appeared far removed from his usual superstar image. State prosecutor Tony Bock told the court that a second count of theft is being added to his main case due to his ongoing alleged criminal behaviour.

The prosecutor explained that the state wants to handle all his alleged crimes at once, arguing that they show he is a repeat offender with little regard for other people’s property. Yesterday, when the magistrate granted bail, the artist was given a stern warning to take the matter seriously. The court ordered that Makili must not commit any further offences while out on bail.

The court warned that if Makili is caught stealing even a minor item, he will forfeit his bail and remain in custody until his trial concludes. The warning is a serious blow to his reputation as a public figure and youth mentor. He is scheduled to appear again on 8 September, when his trial date will be set.

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