News Desk Reporter
A Sandton restaurant confrontation has left businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama facing an intimidation charge, losing his company positions and having his Steyn City lease terminated.
The fallout followed the circulation of a video showing Mudzinganyama threatening women at Vlāmo restaurant on 18 September.
He was arrested and released on warning and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 1 October.
In the video, Mudzinganyama is heard saying, “I’ll murder you now and walk” and “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.”
He is also heard boasting about his wealth, telling the women they were poor and claiming he could buy the restaurant.
The footage spread online, prompting action from Vlāmo, Moriel Infrastructure Group and Steyn City.
Vlāmo has distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, saying he was not the owner, an employee or associated with the restaurant in any capacity.
The restaurant said the women involved reported the incident to police and that it would provide relevant footage and information to assist the investigation.
Moriel Infrastructure Group has since severed ties with Mudzinganyama, removing him as executive chairman and director with immediate effect.
The company said he would no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of Moriel in any capacity.
“The conduct shown in the footage is inconsistent with the organisation’s values,” Moriel said.
The group also condemned violence against women and all forms of threatening, abusive and intimidating conduct.
The incident has also prompted government scrutiny of Moriel.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed the South African National Roads Agency board to investigate Moriel’s appointment and establish whether the company was lawfully appointed and complying with its contractual obligations.
SANRAL confirmed the investigation.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson separately directed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations that Moriel obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day.
Steyn City has confirmed that Mudzinganyama was a tenant but said his lease had been terminated.
The property developer said the incident was a serious concern and strongly condemned it.
“We will co-operate with relevant authorities and provide assistance required to allow the rule of law to prevail,” Steyn City said.
Mudzinganyama has since apologised to the women involved.
“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlāmo restaurant in Sandton,” he said.
“The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement.”
He said he should have exercised restraint, removed himself from the situation and sought assistance from restaurant management.
“I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct,” he said.
Mudzinganyama said he deeply regretted the fear and distress 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,” he said.
He said he would co-operate fully with law enforcement authorities regarding any investigation and would undertake a conflict-management programme.
“I recognise that an apology cannot erase the fear and distress caused,” he said.
“I must now demonstrate accountability through meaningful, sustained action and ensure that this conduct is never repeated,” he said.