Lawrence Mudzinganyama, a South African businessman, has been arrested after handing himself over to police following the circulation of a viral video in which he threatened to shoot and kill a group of women at a Sandton restaurant. The video, recorded at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton Gate, shows Mudzinganyama confronting a group of women in what appears to be the women’s restroom. In the video, he threatens the women, boasting about his wealth and claiming he can get away with the crime.
Addressing the media on Monday outside the Boksburg magistrate’s court, deputy national police commissioner Lt-Gen Tebello Mosikili said Mudzinganyama handed himself over at the Randburg police station and was subsequently released on a warning to appear in court on October 1. Mosikili emphasized that the police must conduct their own investigation and gather all available evidence to establish a prima facie case. The investigation will be a prosecutorial-led process, which has already been discussed with a prosecutor.
The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Mudzinganyama’s actions as unacceptable and misogynistic. Minister in the presidency for women, youth and persons with disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga called on Mudzinganyama to hand himself over to police, stating that the interministerial committee on gender-based violence and femicide wanted him to surrender “as a matter of urgency”. Chikunga added that “the law will find him no matter how rich he is”.
The police investigation will focus on gathering and assessing all available evidence before the docket is handed to prosecutors. Mosikili stressed that threats and intimidation directed at women would not be tolerated, and that every woman has the right to dignity, safety, and respect. The SAPS will investigate allegations of threats, intimidation, or criminal conduct properly and without fear or favor.
Mudzinganyama has since apologized for his conduct, describing the aggressive and threatening language he used as “unacceptable and unjustifiable”. He expressed deep regret for the fear and distress caused, acknowledging that an apology could not erase the impact of his conduct. His arrest has also led to scrutiny of his business interests, with Moriel Infrastructure Group removing him as executive chair and director.
The incident has also raised questions about Mudzinganyama’s business dealings, with transport minister Barbara Creecy instructing Sanral to investigate whether the company was lawfully appointed and whether it was meeting its contractual obligations. The investigation will aim to establish whether Mudzinganyama’s business interests are linked to his alleged behavior.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa, with many calling for greater action to be taken to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. Mudzinganyama’s case is set to appear in court on October 1, where he will face charges related to his alleged behavior.
Key points
- Lawrence Mudzinganyama, a South African businessman, has been arrested for threatening to shoot and kill a group of women at a Sandton restaurant.
- The incident sparked widespread outrage, with many condemning Mudzinganyama’s actions as unacceptable and misogynistic.
- The police investigation will focus on gathering and assessing all available evidence before the docket is handed to prosecutors.
