Zimbabwean businessman arrested after viral Sandton restaurant threats

Women

Johannesburg – Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama has been arrested and released on warning after a video showing him threatening women at a Sandton restaurant went viral, with the fallout also costing him his residential lease and positions at an engineering and construction company.

According to IOL, police confirmed that an intimidation case was opened at Randburg police station on 19 September. Mudzinganyama was arrested the following morning and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October.

Gauteng police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said: “An intimidation case was registered on September 19, 2026 at Randburg police station. The suspect was arrested on Sunday morning, September 20, 2026 and was released on warning to appear before Randburg court on October 1, 2026. Police investigations continue.”

The incident occurred at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate, where footage showed Mudzinganyama confronting women inside the restaurant’s ladies’ bathroom after an apparent dispute.

In the video, he is heard saying: “I’ll murder you now and walk” and “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.”

TimesLIVE reported that the man allegedly approached the women at a private birthday celebration before becoming aggressive after they rejected his advances.

Vlamo said Mudzinganyama was not affiliated with the restaurant and that management removed him after becoming aware of the incident. The restaurant also confirmed that a criminal case had been opened.

Business fallout

The consequences have extended beyond the criminal investigation.

ZimLive reported that Steyn City terminated Mudzinganyama’s residential lease after the incident.

“We can confirm that the individual identified in the video footage is a Steyn City tenant. His lease agreement has been terminated,” the property company said.

Moriel Infrastructure Group, where Mudzinganyama served as executive chairman and director, also terminated its association with him.

The company said: “Mr Mudzinganyama has been removed from both positions. He will no longer represent, speak for, or act on behalf of Moriel Infrastructure Group in any capacity.”

Mudzinganyama has since apologised for his conduct, saying: “The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement.” He also said he would co-operate with law enforcement and seek professional guidance.

Government probes company dealings

The controversy has also triggered scrutiny of Moriel Infrastructure Group’s dealings with the South African government.

EWN reported that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to establish whether Moriel was lawfully appointed and whether it was complying with its contractual obligations.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has separately ordered the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations concerning the company’s CIDB gradings.

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