Edwin Sodi’s GBV trial begins at Randburg magistrate’s court

Edwin Sodi back in court — Edwin Sodi is accused of assaulting his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata, and her male friend at their Bryanston home in 2022. / Gallo Images

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Controversial businessman Edwin Sodi is set to appear at the Randburg magistrate’s court on Thursday for his 2022 gender-based violence (GBV) trial.

Sodi was granted R150 000 bail, and the matter was postponed for further investigations. Now the trial is set to begin, where the first witness will take the stand.

In 2022, Sodi spent a week behind bars after his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata, laid assault charges against him.

He is accused of assaulting Lerata and her male friend at their Bryanston home in 2022.

Lerata laid the charges of attempted murder, assault with intention to commit grievous bodily harm, pointing a firearm, and domestic abuse.

Sodi first appeared at the Randburg magistrate’s court after he handed himself over to the police. He was then kept in police custody until he was granted bail.

Strict bail conditions

In support of his bail application, Sodi submitted an affidavit detailing his personal circumstances, what he does for a living, his assets, as well as his version of what had happened on the night of the incident.

Magistrate Nielen Karrikan told the court that he had carefully considered the prosecution’s passionate address in relation to GBV.

Sodi’s bail conditions stipulate that he should not communicate or interfere with witnesses directly or indirectly.

The businessman, who enjoys close ties with ANC bigwigs, was also ordered to remain at his premises and report his movements to the investigating officer.

Before this matter, the businessman was already out on R500 000 bail after he was arrested in 2020 for his alleged role in the R255-million asbestos corruption case in the Free State.

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Mbalenhle Zuma