Lawrence Mudzinganyama, a former director of Moriel Infrastructure Group, has been charged and will make his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates' Court on October 1, 2026. He was arrested over the weekend and released on warning. According to Colonel Dimakatso Sello, Gauteng police spokesperson, Mudzinganyama was taken into custody after a complaint of intimidation was lodged against him at the Randburg police station.
The charges against Mudzinganyama stem from an incident at the Vlamo restaurant in Sandton, where he allegedly threatened to shoot women who rejected his advances. A video of the incident, which was widely shared on social media, shows Mudzinganyama talking to a group of women in the restaurant's ladies' bathroom. It appears that he approached them after they declined an offer to take photos with him.
When the women ignored him and refused to give him their phone numbers, Mudzinganyama allegedly became aggressive and threatened to kill them. In the video, he is heard saying, "I'll make you dead now and walk." He also allegedly said he would put a bullet in all of them. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and Moriel Infrastructure Group has since cut ties with Mudzinganyama.
The company announced that Mudzinganyama's appointment as executive chairman and director was terminated with immediate effect. The Vlamo restaurant has also distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, stating that he has no affiliation with the establishment. The restaurant's management removed Mudzinganyama from the premises after they became aware of the incident.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has condemned the incident and urged Mudzinganyama to surrender to the police. The South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) is also investigating the matter, as Mudzinganyama is one of its contractors. Sanral has awarded him tenders worth R107 million and R71 million.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of women in public places and the accountability of influential individuals. The police are continuing their investigation, and Mudzinganyama's case will be heard in court on October 1. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting boundaries and the consequences of threatening behavior.
The case has sparked a conversation about toxic masculinity and the need for greater accountability in society. As the case progresses, it will be important to monitor the developments and ensure that justice is served. The incident has also highlighted the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for everyone.
Key points
- Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been charged for threatening women at a restaurant in Sandton, Johannesburg.
- The incident has sparked widespread outrage, and Moriel Infrastructure Group has cut ties with Mudzinganyama.
- The case will be heard in the Randburg Magistrates' Court on October 1, 2026.
