The Randburg Magistrate’s Court has struck the attempted murder and assault case against Edwin Sodi off the roll after both complainants withdrew from the matter.
NPA no longer pursuing attempted murder charges against Edwin Sodi
The charges stemmed from a March 2022 incident involving Sodi’s estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata, and her male companion. Lerata had alleged that Sodi attacked them in their Bryanston home, attempting to shoot them, but the firearm reportedly misfired.
At the court hearing on Thursday, 20 March 2025, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) stated it was prepared to proceed with the trial, rejecting the complainant’s withdrawal statement due to the ongoing gender-based violence crisis in South Africa.
However, the second complainant also opted not to pursue charges, leading Sodi’s legal team to argue for the case to be struck off the roll. The court ruled in Sodi’s favour.
The NPA spokesperson, Phindi Mjonondwane, reiterated the authority’s commitment to supporting victims of gender-based violence but acknowledged that with both complainants withdrawing and absent from court, the case could not proceed.
Following the ruling, Sodi expressed relief, stating that he had appeared in court more than 20 times, and was eager to put the matter behind him.
Sodi’s ongoing legal issues
Despite the attempted murder case being dismissed, Sodi is still facing multiple legal battles.
He is expected to appear in court later this year alongside former Free State Premier Ace Magashule in connection with the R255 million Free State asbestos contract.
The case involves allegations of corruption and mismanagement in a project meant to remove hazardous asbestos roofing from homes in the province.
Additionally, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) is investigating Sodi for alleged tax evasion amounting to R400 million. Reports suggest that his financial dealings and lavish lifestyle caught the attention of authorities, leading to scrutiny of his business empire.
Sodi has also faced controversy over his involvement in the City of Tshwane’s Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Works project, awarded to his companies NJR Projects and Blackhead Consulting.
Despite receiving R295 million, the project was only 60% complete, raising concerns about mismanagement.
The failure to upgrade the plant was later linked to the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak in 2023, which resulted in more than 15 deaths.
While Sodi has managed to avoid prosecution in the attempted murder case, his corruption and tax-related matters remain ongoing, with potential legal and financial consequences still ahead.
