Edwin Sodi
By Karabo Marifi
Johannesburg, South Africa – On Thursday, 20 March 2025, the Randburg Magistrates’ Court struck the attempted murder and assault case against businessman Edwin Sodi off the court roll. The decision came despite the State’s efforts to proceed with the trial, highlighting the complexities of prosecuting gender-based violence (GBV) cases when complainants withdraw their participation.
Background of the Case
The charges against Edwin Sodi date back to March 2022, stemming from an alleged domestic violence incident at his Bryanston home. Sodi was accused of attempting to shoot his estranged wife, Ntateng, and a friend during a confrontation. The case had drawn attention due to Sodi’s prominence as a controversial businessman and the broader issue of GBV in South Africa. The trial was scheduled to begin on Thursday, but the proceedings were derailed when both complainants failed to appear in court.
What Happened in Court
The absence of the complainants—coupled with their submission of withdrawal statements—set the stage for a contentious courtroom debate. The State, led by prosecutor Dinesh Nandikisoor, argued vehemently to keep the case on the roll. Nandikisoor presented a letter from the National Director of Public Prosecutions, which stated:
“The circumstances and merits of this case are too serious to warrant a withdrawal of the charges by the NPA, irrespective of the settlement agreement.”The prosecution emphasized the severity of the allegations and the urgent need to address GBV, a widespread issue in South Africa. They rejected the complainants’ withdrawal statements, asserting that the case’s gravity outweighed any private settlements Sodi may have reached with the complainants.
However, the defense countered that the case should be struck off due to the complainants’ voluntary withdrawal and their absence from court. Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe, presiding over the matter, ultimately ruled in favor of the defense. In her ruling, she acknowledged the rising tide of GBV but prioritized the complainants’ autonomy:
“While I share their sentiments that GBV is on the rise, however, if we are faced with such a case where a complainant voluntarily withdraws a case, there are no threats against her, I do not think it would be fair to keep the matter on the roll under these circumstances.”With this decision, Magistrate Mkhasibe ordered the case to be struck off the roll, effectively halting the legal proceedings against Sodi for the time being.
NPA Responds
Following the court’s ruling, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued a media statement through Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA Regional Spokesperson for the Gauteng Division, Johannesburg. The statement outlined the NPA’s position and reaffirmed its commitment to combating GBV:
“The Randburg Magistrates’ Court has struck the assault and attempted murder case against Edwin Sodi from the roll. The State expressed readiness to proceed with the trial, stating that it rejected the complainant’s withdrawal statement due to the widespread scourge of Gender-Based Violence in the country. The court took into consideration that both complainants were absent in court and that one of them had filed a withdrawal statement. The second complainant indicated that he no longer wished to proceed with the case, subsequently the defence argued that the case be struck off the roll, which was granted by the court. The NPA remains committed to supporting victims of GBV and will continue in its efforts to combat this scourge.”The NPA’s statement underscored its frustration with the outcome but emphasized its ongoing dedication to supporting victims and tackling GBV, even in the face of legal setbacks.
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