A confrontation at a Sandton restaurant has escalated into a criminal case after a viral video showed businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama allegedly making violent threats toward a group of women.
The incident, which took place at Vlamo Restaurant on September 18, led to Mudzinganyama’s arrest on intimidation charges and his subsequent release on a warning ahead of an October 1 appearance at Randburg Magistrate’s Court.
Occurring against the backdrop of heightened national tension over gender-based violence, the footage has sparked widespread outrage, cost Mudzinganyama his corporate executive position, and triggered an official investigation into his business contracts.
The incident began when Mudzinganyama allegedly approached the women and offered to take photographs.
According to reports, he then asked one of the women for her phone number. When his advances were rejected, the interaction escalated, and he followed the women towards the ladies’ restroom.
The timing of the incident has also intensified the public reaction. It came as South Africa was grappling with the deaths of nine women whose bodies had been discovered across Ekurhuleni since July.
Police confirmed the discovery of the ninth body in Villa Liza near Dawn Park on September 17, one day before the Sandton confrontation.
On the morning of September 18, dozens of men dressed in black marched through Kempton Park to the Civic Centre as part of a prayer march condemning the killings of women and calling for men to take greater responsibility in confronting gender-based violence and femicide.
The march came as fear and concern continued to grow across the East Rand.
Against that backdrop, footage of a man allegedly threatening women inside a restaurant restroom struck a particular chord online. The two events were separate, but their timing placed the Sandton incident within a wider national conversation about violence against women.
Footage recorded during the confrontation and later circulated online shows Mudzinganyama making threats against the women. He is heard saying, “I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”
He also allegedly referred to his wealth and claimed that he owned the restaurant. Vlamo has since made it clear that those claims were false.
The footage prompted widespread criticism. The case was opened at Randburg police station and is being investigated as intimidation. SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed Mudzinganyama’s arrest and said police investigations were continuing.
“The man was arrested this morning, September 20, and was released on warning to appear before Randburg court on October 1. Police investigations continue,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Vlamo management said Mudzinganyama had no ownership, employment or other affiliation with the restaurant. Management said he was removed from the premises once they became aware of what had happened and that the restaurant had reported the matter to police.
“We want to make it clear that the individual involved is not affiliated with, employed by, or associated with our restaurant in any capacity,” Vlamo said.
The restaurant said it was also concerned about the well-being of the women involved and had remained in contact with them following the incident.
It later confirmed that the matter had formally been reported to the South African Police Service on September 19 and that a case number had been issued. The restaurant said it would cooperate with investigators and provide relevant footage and information.
The controversy has since extended beyond the restaurant. Mudzinganyama was associated with Moriel Infrastructure Group, where he served as executive chairman and director. The company has terminated its association with him following the incident.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also instructed the South African National Roads Agency to investigate the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group and its contractual relationship with the agency.
As the public response grew, Mudzinganyama issued an unreserved apology to the women involved. He acknowledged that his conduct had caused fear and distress and accepted responsibility for his words.
“The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement,” he said.
Mudzinganyama said he should have removed himself from the situation and sought assistance from restaurant management instead of escalating the confrontation.
“I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct,” he said.
He added that he would cooperate with law enforcement and seek professional guidance, including undertaking a conflict management programme.
“I recognise that an apology cannot erase the fear and distress caused,” he said. “I must now demonstrate accountability through meaningful, sustained action and ensure that this conduct is never repeated.”
lutho.pasiya@nationalmg.co.za