KEY POINTS
- Edwin Sodi’s murder and assault case was dropped after his wife withdrew charges.
- The court struck the case from the roll after both complainants were absent.
- Sodi has faced other legal challenges involving public projects and corruption.
The Randburg Magistrates’ Court removed the attempted murder and assault case against controversial businessman Edwin Sodi from the court roll. This followed the withdrawal of charges by his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata.
Reports indicated that the couple reached an out-of-court settlement. This decision ended a legal battle that began in 2022.
Lerata initially accused Sodi of attempting to kill her. She also accused him of assaulting her male companion, Faizal Motlekar, during an altercation at their home in Bryanston.
According to police reports, Sodi allegedly tried to shoot Lerata. However, the gun jammed. He then used the gun to strike Motlekar on the head.
NPA rejects withdrawal but court strikes case from roll
Despite the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) expressing its intention to proceed with the trial, citing the broader issue of gender-based violence (GBV) in the country, the court took into account the absence of both complainants.
According to IOL, the defense argued that the case should be struck off the roll, a request that was granted by the court.
Phindi Mjonondwane, the NPA spokesperson, emphasized that the agency remains committed to supporting victims of GBV and will continue its efforts to address this critical issue.
“The law must take its full course,” Mjonondwane said, reaffirming the NPA’s dedication to combatting GBV.
Edwin Sodi faces other legal challenges
In addition to the case involving his estranged wife, Sodi has faced significant scrutiny over his involvement in public projects.
In May 2023, Sodi’s company became linked to a cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal. The outbreak resulted in 15 deaths, and more than 50 people were hospitalized.
The company had been awarded a R295 million ($16.2 million) tender to address the area’s longstanding water crisis. However, the project remains incomplete.
An independent commission of inquiry into the Hammanskraal water crisis discovered that funds designated for upgrading the Rooiwal water treatment plant were missing.
Critics, including ActionSA, have accused Sodi’s company of lacking the competence and capacity to handle such projects.
Additionally, Sodi is implicated in the R255 million ($14 million) failed asbestos project in the Free State.
It is alleged that the contract was awarded through an illegal bid, involving political figures and top officials.
