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A luxurious mansion owned by controversial South African businessman Edwin Sodi, situated in the affluent Morningside suburb of Johannesburg, has officially been listed on the property market.
The asking price for the sprawling mega-mansion is set at R75 million ($4 million), signaling a remarkable turn of events for the controversial South African businessman, whose financial troubles have been making headlines in recent months.
With a floor area of 4,000 square meters, the property boasts five bedrooms and five bathrooms, being described as the epitome of luxury in the heart of Morningside, a leafy suburb in Johannesburg.
The mansion, once the pride of Sobi, a troubled businessman, was listed by Lynn Petzer of Lynn Estates. This move follows the auctioning of most of Sodi’s assets, including cars, houses, and his company.
SARS slaps Edwin Sodi with a $22.2 million tax bill, clock ticking on response
Earlier this month, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) issued a substantial tax bill exceeding R400 million ($22.2 million) to Sodi. The final letter of demand from SARS granted Sodi a 10-business-day window to respond.
Failure to agree on a payment plan or settle the full amount could lead to SARS pursuing a court order from the High Court, rendering Sodi’s estate executable.
The flamboyant businessman, recognized for his opulent lifestyle and involvement in failed government tenders through his company Blackhead Consulting, faces the potential seizure of his assets, including an R85 million ($4.5 million) mansion in Bryanston and a high-end fleet of cars valued at millions.
Edwin Sodi’s financial struggles amidst tax debts and legal battles
Sodi’s recent financial challenges underscore the consequences faced by individuals entangled in tax debts and legal repercussions, particularly those with a history of controversial business dealings.
In June 2023, Sodi was blacklisted from doing business with the Tshwane Government due to his company, Blackhead Consulting, being linked to the failed R290 million ($15.4 million) upgrade of the Tshwane wastewater treatment plant.
Blackhead was part of a joint venture, along with two other companies — CMS and NJR — who were awarded a tender in October 2019 to upgrade the Rooiwal treatment plant. They were paid R291,996,799 ($15.47 million) by the metro, despite only completing 60 percent of the first phase of the upgrade.
