Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has apologised after a video showing him confronting and allegedly threatening a group of women inside the ladies’ restroom at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton Gate circulated widely on social media.
In the footage, Mudzinganyama is heard allegedly threatening to “put a bullet in all of you”. The video has drawn widespread condemnation and renewed public concern about threats against women, particularly at a time when South Africa is dealing with the deaths of nine women in Ekurhuleni over the past two months.
Mudzinganyama issued the apology in his personal capacity. He said he deeply regretted the fear and distress caused by his conduct and accepted that the language captured in the video was unacceptable.
“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton. The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement,” he said.
He said he should have controlled his temper, removed himself from the situation and asked restaurant management for assistance instead of confronting the women.
“I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct. I deeply regret the fear and distress I caused, as well as the public concern generated by the footage,” he said.
The businessman said he understood why the incident had caused anger and alarm. He also acknowledged that the alleged threats were particularly serious in a country facing high levels of violence against women.
“I recognise the seriousness of my conduct, particularly in a country confronting unacceptable levels of violence against women. I understand the anger and alarm the incident has caused.”
The apology comes as Mudzinganyama faces scrutiny beyond the restaurant incident. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed the board of the South African National Roads Agency to investigate the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group after the video circulated.
Mudzinganyama has been linked to Moriel Infrastructure Group. The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the appointment and the relationship between the businessman and the company.
The probe follows public concern about whether the appointment was properly made and whether the relevant procedures were followed. The available information does not set out the value of the appointment, the exact work awarded to the company or any finding of wrongdoing. Those matters are expected to form part of the investigation.
The SANRAL board will need to establish the company’s role, the process used to appoint it and whether Mudzinganyama held any position or influence relevant to the decision. It will also need to examine any documentation connected to the appointment.
The business fallout has unfolded alongside the public reaction to the video. Moriel Infrastructure Group has previously said that Mudzinganyama had been removed from his positions and would no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of the company. The development has placed the company’s relationship with him under further attention.
The Vlamo video itself has also prompted a police investigation and an intimidation case. Mudzinganyama said he would cooperate fully with law-enforcement authorities if an investigation took place.
His apology does not determine whether a criminal offence was committed. That will depend on the evidence gathered by police, statements from the women and restaurant staff, available security footage and the legal assessment of the alleged threats.
The women involved have not been publicly identified. The video appears to show Mudzinganyama confronting them in the restroom after an apparent disagreement. One of the women is seen recording the interaction as he continues speaking aggressively.
The footage has allowed members of the public to hear the words allegedly used, but investigators will still need to establish the full circumstances. They will need to determine what happened before the recording began, whether the women felt threatened and whether Mudzinganyama had access to a weapon.
No firearm is shown in the footage supplied. However, the alleged reference to putting bullets in the women has led to serious concern and is central to the public reaction.
Mudzinganyama said he was taking steps to prevent a similar incident from happening again. He said he was seeking professional guidance and planned to complete a conflict-management programme.
The programme, he said, would help him respond to conflict and frustration more constructively. He acknowledged that issuing an apology could not undo the fear experienced by the women or remove the public concern caused by the footage.
“I recognise that an apology cannot erase the fear and distress caused. I must now demonstrate accountability through meaningful, sustained action and ensure that this conduct is never repeated,” he said.
The statement is an attempt to accept responsibility for his words and behaviour while the legal and administrative consequences remain unresolved. An apology may explain a person’s position, but it does not replace a police investigation or determine the outcome of a case.
The incident has also renewed debate about how public venues respond when guests report harassment or threats. Vlamo previously confirmed that Mudzinganyama was not associated with the restaurant and had been escorted from the premises after staff were alerted.
The restaurant said it had zero tolerance for conduct that compromised the safety or experience of anyone inside the establishment. It also said it took the safety, dignity and well-being of women and other guests seriously.
The public reaction has been intensified by the wider national conversation about gender-based violence. Nine women have been found dead in different parts of Ekurhuleni in the past two months, although police have not confirmed that the deaths are linked to one offender.
In that climate, words threatening violence against women have been treated with particular seriousness. Social media users called for authorities to investigate the Vlamo incident and for businesses linked to Mudzinganyama to review their relationships with him.
Creecy’s instruction to SANRAL means the matter will now be examined through an official process. The board’s findings could determine whether further action is required in relation to Moriel Infrastructure Group’s appointment.
Mudzinganyama’s personal statement does not address the details of the SANRAL appointment. It focuses on the Vlamo confrontation, his regret and the steps he says he will take to change his response to conflict.
Police and SANRAL are now dealing with separate questions. Police must establish whether the alleged conduct amounts to intimidation or another offence. SANRAL must determine whether the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group was properly handled.
For the women involved, the most important issue remains the alleged threats and the fear caused during the confrontation. For the public, the case has become a test of whether wealth, business connections or influence can shield anyone from accountability.
Mudzinganyama has acknowledged the seriousness of his conduct and promised to cooperate with investigators. The next stage will be determined by the evidence, the police process and the findings of the SANRAL investigation.
