- Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama handed himself over to police following a viral video depicting an alleged confrontation and threats against women at a Sandton restaurant; SAPS released him on warning to complete investigations before his 1 October court date.
- Following public outrage, Mudzinganyama issued an apology, but was immediately stripped of his executive positions at Moriel Infrastructure Group and had his residential lease terminated by Steyn City.
- Ministers Dean Macpherson and Barbara Creecy ordered urgent investigations into Moriel’s SANRAL contracts and CIDB contractor gradings, while Home Affairs is set to probe Mudzinganyama’s immigration status.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng has provided an update on the case involving Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, who was arrested after a video of an alleged confrontation with women at a Sandton restaurant went viral.
Mudzinganyama reportedly handed himself over at Randburg Police Station on Sunday, 20 September, where he was arrested and later released on warning. He is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, 1 October 2026.
SAPS said the investigation is still under way and that officers need to gather all relevant evidence before the docket is submitted to the Senior Public Prosecutor for a decision on prosecution.
SAPS: ‘We cannot investigate through social media’
Deputy National Police Commissioner Tebello Mosiliki said police are continuing to collect statements and other evidence linked to the case.
She said the viral footage forms part of the information available to investigators, but police still have to follow the required legal process.
SAPS said the investigation will be completed before the docket is placed before the Senior Public Prosecutor, who will make a decision on whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute.
“Our responsibility is to investigate, gather the evidence and place that evidence before the courts,” SAPS said.
The police service also stressed that allegations of threats, intimidation or other criminal conduct must be investigated properly and that women have the right to dignity, safety and respect.
What happened at Vlamo?
This comes after the confrontation took place at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate on Friday, 18 September.
A video from the incident is circulating on social media and appears to show Mudzinganyama confronting a group of women inside the restaurant’s ladies’ “powder room”.
He can be heard making threats, including allegedly threatening to shoot and kill the women.
According to reports, the confrontation followed an interaction in which Mudzinganyama allegedly approached one of the women and was rejected.
Vlamo has since distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, saying he is not affiliated with the restaurant and that he was removed from the premises after management became aware of what had happened.
The restaurant also confirmed that the matter had been reported to SAPS and said it would cooperate with the investigation.
Mudzinganyama apologises
Mudzinganyama issued an apology on Sunday, 20 September.
In his personal statement, he described the language and behaviour displayed in the footage as “unacceptable and unjustifiable”.
He also said he would cooperate with law enforcement and undertake a conflict-management programme.
Steyn City terminates his lease
Steyn City Properties has since confirmed that Mudzinganyama was a tenant at the development and said his lease agreement had been terminated.
The company condemned violence and intimidation and said it would cooperate with the relevant authorities.
Moriel Infrastructure cuts ties
In addition to this, Mudzinganyama has also reportedly lost his positions at Moriel Infrastructure Group, where he served as executive chairman and director.
The company said its board had resolved to terminate its association with him with immediate effect, adding that he will not represent or act on behalf of the company.
Moriel added that the conduct shown in the video was inconsistent with its values and condemned violence, threats, abuse, and intimidation.
Government investigations into Moriel
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to investigate whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed and whether it is meeting its contractual obligations.
SANRAL confirmed that Moriel has two contracts involving projects on the N1 and N2.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has also instructed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations concerning Moriel’s contractor gradings.
The investigation follows allegations that the company obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day and questions about whether it met the requirements for those gradings.
Police investigation continues
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia has also condemned the alleged threats and said Mudzinganyama’s immigration status should be investigated by the Department of Home Affairs.
“Let me say this, I think his status in the country should also be investigated by the Department of Home Affairs, and if he is not here legally, other measures can be considered, he said.
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