The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) has initiated an investigation into the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group, following a video showing one of the company's directors, Lawrence Mudzinganyama, threatening women at a Sandton restaurant. The probe will determine if Moriel Infrastructure Group was properly appointed and if the company is meeting its contractual obligations. This comes after a video of the incident at Vlamo restaurant near Sandton Gate went viral on social media.
The video shows Mudzinganyama confronting a group of women in the restaurant's ladies' bathroom after they declined his offer to take photos with him. He allegedly became aggressive when asked to leave them alone, requesting their phone numbers. Mudzinganyama was heard saying, "I'm going to kill you now and walk out," and "I'm going to put a bullet in all of you." He has been charged and is set to appear in Randburg Magistrates' Court on October 1, 2026.
Moriel Infrastructure Group has since terminated Mudzinganyama's appointment as executive chairman and director, effective immediately. The company's board made the decision following the "disturbing incident" at Vlamo. Moriel Infrastructure Group condemned violence against women and all forms of threatening, insulting, and intimidating behavior towards women or any other person. The company has contracts with Sanral worth approximately R107.5 million and R71.6 million.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has ordered Sanral to investigate Moriel Infrastructure Group's contracts and determine if the company is meeting its obligations. The incident has raised concerns about the company's dealings with the state. Vlamo restaurant has distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, stating that he has no ownership or management interest in the restaurant.
Vlamo restaurant's management removed Mudzinganyama from the premises after becoming aware of the incident. The restaurant takes the safety, dignity, and well-being of women and all guests seriously and has no tolerance for behavior that endangers anyone's safety or experience. The restaurant has been in contact with the affected women and is committed to supporting them through the relevant processes.
ActionSA has condemned Mudzinganyama's actions, stating that there is nothing trivial about threats of violence against women. The party warned that the incident should not lead to collective blame against a particular nationality. ActionSA also emphasized that restaurants and other establishments must take complaints about threatening or intimidating behavior seriously.
Mudzinganyama has apologized for his actions, taking responsibility for his words and behavior. He has expressed regret for the fear and distress caused and has committed to seeking professional help and undergoing a conflict management program. The police investigation into the incident and Sanral's investigation into Moriel Infrastructure Group's contracts are separate processes.
Key points
- The South African authorities have launched investigations into Moriel Infrastructure Group's contract with Sanral and its director's threats against women at a Sandton restaurant.
