By Charles Molele
Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, who was filmed allegedly threatening women with bullets after they rejected his advances at a Sandton restaurant, has been charged with intimidation and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 1.
The case was opened at Randburg police station after footage of the September 18 confrontation at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton Gate, Glenadrienne, spread rapidly online.
The viral video, now at the centre of a widening police and government investigation, shows Mudzinganyama confronting women at the restaurant and making threats to shoot and kill them.
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Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said on Sunday that the case was being prioritised and that Mudzinganyama’s immigration status should also be examined by the Department of Home Affairs.
“The threats amount to unlawful conduct in our society and country,” Cachalia said.
“I am not sure what the position is in Zimbabwe, but here that is not allowed and is illegal, unlawful.”
According to the complaint, a woman was attending a private birthday dinner with companions when Mudzinganyama approached them and offered to take photographs with them.
They declined.
He later allegedly asked for one of the women’s telephone numbers.
When he was asked to leave them alone, he allegedly became aggressive and verbally abusive.
The confrontation was recorded.
“I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk,” he is heard saying in the footage.
“I’m not one of those who play. I’m not those little boys. You’re a cheap bitch, and you’ll remain that. Don’t ever think you’re more special than me. I’m too wealthy. I’m too wealthy for you guys.”
At another point, he told the women they should have rejected him “in a nice, respectful way”.
“Recording is nothing,” he said as the women filmed him.
He also allegedly referred to his wealth and claimed he could buy and own the restaurant.
The footage has since travelled far beyond the restaurant, prompting outrage and drawing the attention of senior government officials.
Vlamo management has distanced itself from Mudzinganyama, saying he is not employed by or affiliated with the restaurant despite claims he allegedly made during the confrontation.
The restaurant said management acted after learning of the incident and removed him from the premises.
It said it took the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women, guests and staff seriously and had “zero tolerance” for behaviour that compromised their safety or experience.
The restaurant also said it was supporting the women involved and was in contact with them.
Mudzinganyama apologised on Sunday.
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“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton,” he said.
He said he should have walked away and asked management for assistance.
“I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct.”
He said he regretted the fear and distress caused by his behaviour and the public reaction to the footage.
But the controversy has now moved beyond the restaurant.
Mudzinganyama is the founder and former executive chairman of Moriel Infrastructure Group, an engineering and construction company that has secured government work.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed the board of the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) to investigate whether Moriel was lawfully appointed as a contractor and whether it is meeting its contractual obligations.
Sanral has confirmed that it will conduct the investigation.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has separately directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations concerning Moriel’s construction industry gradings.
Macpherson said he was concerned about allegations that the company received several CIDB gradings on the same day and that it may not have met the requirements for those gradings.
He has directed the CIDB to investigate and report back.
Moriel’s own corporate profile lists the company as a South African infrastructure contracting group with CIDB gradings including 8CE, 8SB and 8SK, and identifies it as a Level 1 B-BBEE company.
On Sunday, Moriel announced that Mudzinganyama was no longer part of the company.
“The Board of Moriel Infrastructure Group has resolved to terminate its association with Mr Lawrence Mudzinganyama, both as Executive Chairman and as a director, with immediate effect,” the company said.
It said he would no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of Moriel in any capacity.
The company condemned violence against women and threatening, abusive and intimidating conduct, saying Mudzinganyama’s behaviour was inconsistent with its values.
There was another consequence.
Mudzinganyama was a tenant at Steyn City, where his lease was terminated on Sunday.
