A Zimbabwean businessman at the centre of a viral video showing threats against women at an upmarket Sandton restaurant has apologised, been arrested and released on warning pending his first court appearance.
Lawrence Mudzinganyama was filmed during an altercation with a group of women at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate. In the footage circulated widely on social media, he is heard making threats of shooting and killing the women while repeatedly referring to his wealth and status.
Mudzinganyama later issued a statement in which he accepted responsibility for his conduct and apologised unreservedly to the women involved.
“The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable,” he said, adding that he should have removed himself from the confrontation and sought assistance from restaurant management.
The incident has since moved beyond the restaurant, with police opening an intimidation investigation and Mudzinganyama facing criminal proceedings.
Police confirm arrest and October court appearance
South African Police Service spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that Mudzinganyama was arrested on 20 September and subsequently released on warning.
He is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 1 October, while police investigations continue.
The Vlamo restaurant said the incident was reported to police on 19 September, with a case number issued. The restaurant also stressed that Mudzinganyama has no employment, ownership or other formal association with the establishment.
Vlamo said it would cooperate with investigators and provide relevant footage and information. It has also announced plans to increase the visible security presence at the venue.
The video emerged during a period of heightened public concern about violence against women in South Africa. The incident has consequently attracted attention beyond the circumstances of the restaurant confrontation itself.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said police were prioritising the case, while government representatives called for the matter to be dealt with through the criminal justice system.
Mudzinganyama said he understood the seriousness of his actions and recognised the fear and distress caused by the incident.
He also said he would cooperate fully with law enforcement and seek professional guidance. According to his statement, he intends to undertake conflict-management training to help him deal with confrontation and frustration differently in future.
Company cuts ties with Mudzinganyama
The controversy has also resulted in significant consequences for Mudzinganyama’s business interests.
Moriel Infrastructure Group announced that its board had terminated his association with the company with immediate effect. He was removed as executive chairman and director and will no longer represent or act on behalf of the company.
The company said the behaviour shown in the video was inconsistent with its organisational values and condemned violence, threats, intimidation and abusive conduct against women or any other person.
The fallout has also prompted scrutiny of the company’s dealings with the South African government.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed the board of the South African National Roads Agency to investigate Moriel Infrastructure Group’s appointment and its compliance with the terms of its contract.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has separately ordered an investigation into allegations concerning the company’s Construction Industry Development Board gradings, according to reports.
The developments mean that Mudzinganyama now faces both a criminal case arising from the Sandton incident and wider scrutiny of his business activities.
For the immediate legal matter, however, the next significant step will be his appearance at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 1 October.
His apology does not determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings, which remain subject to the legal process.