Controversial businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama has attributed his viral confrontation with women at a Sandton restaurant to a spiritual attack and a spirit medium. In a statement, Mudzinganyama claimed he was under a trance when he confronted women at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate last week after they rejected his advances. He said the incident was linked to a spiritual problem affecting his family.
According to Mudzinganyama, his actions and words during the confrontation were caused by a spirit medium, claiming it was not him who was speaking but the spirit medium, which enabled him to speak Zulu despite not being a speaker of the language. The incident was filmed, with Mudzinganyama seen following women into the ladies' toilet and threatening them after they rejected his advances.
In the video, Mudzinganyama is heard saying, "I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk." He has since been arrested and released on warning and is due to appear before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on October 1. His company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, has also removed him as Executive Chairman and Director.
Mudzinganyama has disputed his widely reported Zimbabwean identity, stating he holds South African permanent residency and comes from another SADC country, which he did not name. "Furthermore, I am not Zimbabwean. I just happen to have Shona names, just as many people have English names but are not British. I hold a South African permanent residence permit," he said.
Mudzinganyama's nationality claim comes amid investigations by South African authorities into his immigration status, firearm licensing, and government contracts involving Moriel Infrastructure Group. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the South African National Roads Agency to investigate how Moriel was awarded contracts reportedly worth more than R170 million.
The restaurant incident has generated widespread public attention in South Africa, particularly amid heightened concern over gender-based violence and threats against women. Mudzinganyama said he would release a video to provide further clarification, adding that he kindly asks for understanding, support, and prayers.
The incident has led to severe consequences for Mudzinganyama, including the termination of his lease at Steyn City and investigations into his business dealings. His assertion comes after South African authorities have publicly described him as a Zimbabwean national, although the existence of the surname in Zimbabwe does not by itself establish an individual's nationality.
Key points
- Lawrence Mudzinganyama attributes viral confrontation at Sandton restaurant to spiritual attack and spirit medium.
- Mudzinganyama disputes his Zimbabwean nationality, stating he holds South African permanent residency and comes from another SADC country.
- The incident has led to investigations into Mudzinganyama's immigration status, firearm licensing, and government contracts.
