Lawrence Mudzinganyama, a 40-year-old businessman, has been released on R15,000 bail after appearing in the Randburg magistrate's court on Thursday. He faces 10 charges, including intimidation, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, crimen injuria, and fraud. Mudzinganyama was arrested on September 20 in connection with an incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton that went viral on social media.
The incident occurred on September 18 at Vlamo Restaurant, where Mudzinganyama allegedly entered the women's powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses. He also allegedly threatened three witnesses with violence and death. National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said further investigations resulted in additional charges being brought against him.
Mudzinganyama is facing three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, three counts of crimen injuria, and one count of fraud. The charges stem from his actions at Vlamo Restaurant, where he allegedly insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in the presence of others.
The fraud charge relates to an allegation that Mudzinganyama falsely represented himself to the witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite allegedly knowing he was not the lawful owner. The NPA said it subsequently asked the court to reconsider Mudzinganyama's earlier release on warning. The state brought an application for the reconsideration of the accused's release on warning and for bail to be imposed in the interests of justice.
The court granted Mudzinganyama R15,000 bail subject to several conditions, including reporting to the Randburg police station once a week, not interfering with witnesses, surrendering his passport and travel documents, and not leaving Gauteng while the case is pending. The matter was postponed to October 15 for transfer to the regional court.
Mudzinganyama apologized after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media. In the video, he was allegedly heard threatening to shoot and kill women during a confrontation at the restaurant. He said he should have exercised restraint, removed himself from the situation, and sought assistance from the restaurant's management.
The NPA recognizes the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats, and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected. The authority remains committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offenses through diligent, impartial, and effective prosecutions. Mudzinganyama's case will continue on October 15.
Key points
- Lawrence Mudzinganyama faces 10 charges, including intimidation and assault.
- Mudzinganyama was released on R15,000 bail subject to several conditions.
- The NPA remains committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offenses.
