Attempted murder case against Edwin Sodi struck off court roll

JOHANNESBURG - The attempted murder case against controversial businessman, Edwin Sodi, has been struck off the court roll.

Sodi returned to the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday, where trial was expected to begin.

But both the complainants in the matter were a no-show.

The matter dates back to 2022, where Sodi allegedly tried to shoot his estranged wife, Ntateng, and a friend in the couple's Bryanston home.

The Randburg Magistrate's Court’s decision to strike Sodi's attempted murder case off the roll comes despite the State arguing against it.

The court heard that Sodi had a settlement with the complainants, who then filed withdrawal agreements.

Prosecutor Dinesh Nandikisoor read a letter from the national director of public prosecutions, where a decision was made to continue with the charges.

"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."

But Magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe refused the request by prosecutors for the matter to stay on the court roll.

"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."

Magistrate Mkhasibe then ordered that the matter be struck off the roll.