Controversial businessman Edwin Sodi experienced a significant legal victory this week as his long-standing GBV (Gender-Based Violence) case was dismissed at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
The case, which had been ongoing since 2022, involved charges of assault, attempted murder, and pointing a firearm. These allegations stemmed from an incident at Sodi’s Bryanston home, which he shared with his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata.
Court Proceedings and Withdrawal Statement
During the court hearing on Thursday, the state prosecutor revealed that Nthateng Lerata had submitted a formal withdrawal statement. In her statement, Lerata expressed her desire to withdraw the case, citing personal reasons. Notably, neither Lerata nor her friend, Faial Motlekar, were present in court during the proceedings.
Sodi’s legal team seized the opportunity to argue for the case’s dismissal, emphasizing that the matter had already been resolved privately between the parties. The court was informed that Motlekar, who had initially supported Lerata’s claims, would no longer pursue the case. This development paved the way for the magistrate to strike the matter off the roll, effectively ending the legal saga.
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Sodi’s Reaction to the Case Dismissal
Edwin Sodi GBV case dismissed-Image Source@kaya959Speaking to the media outside the courthouse, Edwin Sodi expressed immense relief at the outcome. He described the case as a significant burden that had consumed his time, energy, and resources over the past three years.
“I am glad it is over. There is no longer any relationship between me and Lerata. I have been attending court for the past three years, appearing 22 or 23 times. The financial and emotional toll has been enormous, especially for a matter that should never have reached this stage,” Sodi stated.
He further emphasized his eagerness to move forward and focus on his business ventures.
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“I have serious matters to attend to and businesses to run. This was a distraction that has finally been resolved. These allegations were baseless, and it took far too long for the court to reach the right conclusion. I believe the magistrate made the correct decision, even though the state initially wanted to proceed,” Sodi added.