Zimbabwean businessman Mudzinganyama released on warning after viral Sandton threat video

Jacaranda FM

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been released on warning following his arrest after a viral video in which he allegedly threatened a group of women at Vlāmo restaurant in Sandton.

The incident, which reportedly took place on Thursday, was captured on video and shows Mudzinganyama confronting the women after they allegedly refused to give him their phone numbers.

In the footage, he can be heard threatening to shoot them and claiming that he could do so and walk away without repercussions.

WARNING: This video contains crude language.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said on Sunday afternoon the matter was being treated seriously and suggested that Mudzinganyama’s immigration status could also come under scrutiny.

“I think that his status in the country should also be investigated by the Department of Home Affairs, and if he’s not here legally, other measures can be considered.”

Cachalia said the threats constituted unlawful conduct and that the police were prioritising the investigation.

“The threats, of course, amount to unlawful conduct in our society, in our country. I’m not sure what the position is in Zimbabwe, but here that’s not allowed, it’s illegal, it’s unlawful.”

He added that the investigation is still underway and declined to provide further details.

“The police are prioritising this case, but at this point I do not want to say anything more, because this is an active investigation.”

Meanwhile, the incident has also drawn attention to Mudzinganyama’s business interests.

Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson has expressed concern over allegations that Morial Infrastructure Group obtained multiple gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) on the same day.

There are further allegations that the company may not have met the necessary requirements for some of these gradings, which were subsequently used to secure government contracts.

Macpherson’s office says in a short statement that he has instructed the CIDB to urgently investigate the matter and report back to him as soon as possible.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also ordered an investigation into Mudzinganyama’s company in connection with tenders issued by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL).

Minister in the Presidency for the Youth, Women and People with Disabilities, Sindisiwe Chikunga, commended the women for opening a case against the man.

She also praised the establishment for condemning the incident and committing to cooperating with the police.

“The IMC condemns in most severe terms the gender-based violence and femicide-centred reported incident where a man has been recorded threatening women for rejecting his advances. No matter how a man rejects you, it doesn’t entitle you to harm him,” she said.

Mudzinganyama has since been released on warning and is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October.

Following the incident, he also issued a public apology for his conduct, acknowledging that his behaviour was inappropriate.

“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton.

The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement.

I should have exercised restraint, removed myself from the situation and sought assistance from the restaurant’s management.

I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct.

I deeply regret the fear and distress I caused, as well as the public concern generated by

the footage. I recognise the seriousness of my conduct, particularly in a country confronting

unacceptable levels of violence against women.

I understand the anger and alarm the incident has caused. I will cooperate fully with law enforcement authorities regarding any investigation into the incident.

I am also seeking professional guidance and will undertake an appropriate conflict management programme to help me respond to conflict and frustration more constructively.

I recognise that an apology cannot erase the fear and distress caused.

I must now demonstrate accountability through meaningful, sustained action and ensure that this conduct is never repeated.”