NPA reaffirms commitment to fighting GBV after case against Edwin Sodi struck off roll

JOHANNESBURG - The NPA has said that it remains committed to the fight against gender-based violence even after its case against controversial businessman Edwin Sodi collapsed.

Sodi’s attempted murder case was struck off the Randburg magistrate’s court roll on Thursday.

He was charged in connection with the alleged attack of his estranged wife and her male friend in the couple’s Bryanston home.

Both the complainants withdrew from the matter after reaching a settlement with Sodi.

Ordinarily the state has no obligation to withdraw charges against an accused even if the complainants no longer want to proceed.

However, in Sodi’s case both the complainants who were the only state witnesses completed withdrawal agreements, with his estranged wife Nthateng Lerata saying she would not be coming to court to testify.

Prosecutors argued that considering the seriousness of the matter it should be allowed to proceed.

This led to an order by magistrate Hleziphi Mkhasibe who said: "It would be unfair for me towards the accused if I were to do so and would not be serving justice if I were to do so in respect to your request for a postponement for these witnesses to appear in court your request is refused".
 
Mkhasibe then struck the matter off the roll allowing Sodi to walk free.
However, Sodi still has his corruption matter to answer to in the Free State high court over a R255 million asbestos removal tender.