The businessman who threatened women at an upscale restaurant in Sandton has issued an apology; however, he is facing several consequences due to his actions.
This follows extensive backlash after the incident, which was filmed at Vlamo restaurant and went viral over the weekend.
The businessman has been identified as Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyima.
In a statement released, Mudzinganyima apologised for his behaviour and the distress it may have caused.Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been charged with intimidation after a video showed him allegedly threatening women inside a ladies’ restroom at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton.
Mudzinganyama handed himself over to police on Sunday and was released while investigators continue gathering evidence. He is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.
The businessman’s arrest and charge follow the circulation of footage in which he allegedly threatens a group of women after they rejected his advances. He is heard boasting about his wealth and claiming that he would not face consequences, while repeatedly referring to shooting and killing the women.
The incident happened on Friday night at Vlamo, a restaurant at Sandton Gate in Johannesburg. The video has since spread widely on social media, prompting public condemnation and renewed concern about violence and threats against women.
The timing of the incident has intensified the reaction. South Africa is already dealing with widespread alarm after at least nine women were found murdered in Kempton Park and other parts of Ekurhuleni over a period of weeks.
Deputy national police commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili confirmed that Mudzinganyama had surrendered to police. She said he was released so that investigators could continue with the case and gather evidence before the docket is sent to the senior public prosecutor.
“We want to collect as much evidence as possible so that when we go to court, we do not come back to investigate further. Once the investigation is concluded, the docket will be submitted to the court for the senior public prosecutor to make a decision.”
Mosikili said police had seen the video but could not rely on the recording alone. Investigators must corroborate what appears in the footage and gather other evidence before presenting the matter in court.
“Our responsibility is to investigate, gather evidence, and place this evidence before the court,” Mosikili said.
She said the police would examine the case from every angle and seek evidence that supports the charge.
“We look at corroborative evidence for us to be sure and assured of all charges. What we see in the social media space … is but one element. And there may be other elements that we need to pursue.”
Mosikili added:
“We want to investigate and go to court, present our case before the court and get the conviction.”
She said police were taking the fight against gender-based violence and femicide seriously. The intimidation charge must still be tested in court, and Mudzinganyama remains entitled to due process.
What the video shows
The footage shows Mudzinganyama standing over a woman seated on a bathroom stool. He points at the group while appearing to complain about the way they responded to him.
A woman begins asking why he is pointing at her, but he interrupts her and says he wants to “correct” her. He also complains that one of the women had told him to leave.
The woman recording the confrontation points out that he is inside a ladies’ restroom.
“This is a ladies’ room.”
Mudzinganyama then turns his attention to the woman who had allegedly asked him to leave. He is heard making a threat involving a bullet and shouting at her.
“I’ll put a bullet in you”.“Now – NOW.”
The woman tries to speak calmly to him, but he cuts her off.
“I’ll murder you now and walk. I buy this restaurant. I own it [sic],” he says.
He then tells the women that they should reject a man respectfully. One woman attempts to explain that they had not said anything, but he continues speaking over her.
“Don’t ever – Me, I’m a wealthy man; you guys are poor ladies,” he says.
As the woman sitting on the stool gets up, Mudzinganyama continues the alleged threats.
“You can record; I’ll put a bullet in all of you,” Mudzinganyama adds.
He claims that the restaurant owner works for him and lists places where he says he lives or spends time.
“I’m not one of those [people] who play. I stay in Steyn City, in Cape Town, in London, the US. I’m not those little boys.”
He also insults one of the women and tells her that she should not consider herself more important than him.
“You are a cheap b***h, and you will remain that. Don’t ever think you are [more] special than me. Respect everyone. I respect you. I came to you respectfully,” Mudzinganyama says.
He then tells the woman recording the confrontation that the video will not affect him because of his wealth.
“Recording is nothing; I’m too wealthy – do you understand? I’m too wealthy for you guys”.
The footage does not show a firearm. Police will still need to establish the full circumstances, including what happened before the recording started, whether the women felt threatened and whether Mudzinganyama had access to a weapon.
Business and government fallout
Moriel Infrastructure Group has cut ties with Mudzinganyama. He was linked to the company as a director and executive chairperson. The Johannesburg construction and engineering group holds two South African National Roads Agency contracts with a combined face value of about R179 million.
The company’s board said it had ended its association with immediate effect after the Vlamo incident.
“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.”
The board said the decision reflected its commitment to conduct, accountability and respect. It condemned the behaviour shown in the video and said it was inconsistent with the organisation’s values.
“The behaviour shown in the footage is inconsistent with the organisation’s values. Moriel Infrastructure Group unequivocally condemns violence, threats, abuse and intimidation directed at women and vulnerable people.”
The company said it recognised the seriousness of gender-based violence in South Africa and remained committed to creating a safe and respectful environment.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has ordered an investigation into whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed to the SANRAL contracts. The investigation is expected to examine the appointment process and the relationship between Mudzinganyama and the company.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has instructed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations that the company obtained several contractor gradings on a single day without meeting the required qualifications.
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has asked the Department of Home Affairs to examine Mudzinganyama’s immigration status. The three investigations are separate from the intimidation case and do not amount to findings of wrongdoing.
Steyn City, where Mudzinganyama claimed to live, has also cancelled his lease. The luxury estate said the incident was a serious concern and condemned violence and intimidation.
“The incident is of serious concern to us. We strongly condemn any act of violence or intimidation.”
The estate confirmed that Mudzinganyama was a tenant and said his lease had been terminated. It also stated that it was cooperating with authorities.
“We can confirm that the individual identified in the video footage is a Steyn City tenant. His lease agreement has been terminated,” it stated.
The developments mean Mudzinganyama is facing a criminal charge, the loss of business positions, the termination of his lease and three official investigations. However, each process must reach its own conclusion based on evidence.
The police investigation will determine whether the intimidation charge can be proven. The SANRAL and contractor-grading investigations will establish whether the relevant appointments and gradings complied with the rules. Home Affairs will assess his immigration status under the applicable law.
The Vlamo incident has become part of a wider national discussion about accountability and the treatment of women. Public anger has been intensified by the recent murders of women in Ekurhuleni, although police have not confirmed that Mudzinganyama’s case is connected to those killings.
For now, police say they are gathering corroborating evidence before the case is placed before a senior prosecutor. Mudzinganyama has surrendered and is expected in court, but the outcome will depend on the evidence and the legal process.
