Lawrence Mudzinganyama Arrested As Ministers Order Probes Into Business Links

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been arrested following a confrontation at a Sandton restaurant in which he allegedly threatened women after they rejected his advances.

Mudzinganyama was arrested on Sunday and released on bail, with the case expected back in court on 1 October, according to information confirmed by SurgeZirc SA.

The arrest comes as Police Minister Firoz Cachalia called for his immigration status to be investigated, while separate government probes have been launched into a company linked to the businessman.

Lawrence Mudzinganyama Arrest Follows Viral Sandton Video

The incident took place at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton Gate, Glenadrienne, on 18 September at about 8.15pm, according to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster.

Mudzinganyama allegedly approached a woman and her companions while they were attending a private birthday dinner and offered to take photographs. After they declined and later rejected his request for a phone number, he allegedly became aggressive.

In footage circulated online, he can be heard making threats, including: “I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”

Police are investigating a case of intimidation opened at Randburg police station, with Mudzinganyama named as a suspect.

Cachalia said the matter was being prioritised and described the alleged threats as unlawful conduct.

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“The threats [he made] amount to unlawful conduct in our society and country. I am not sure what the position is in Zimbabwe, but here that is not allowed and is illegal, unlawful.”

The minister also said police were looking for Mudzinganyama at the time and that authorities had a clear directive to bring him before the law.

Police Minister Calls For Mudzinganyama Immigration Probe

Cachalia has also asked the Department of Home Affairs to establish whether Mudzinganyama is legally in South Africa.

“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.”

The call comes amid growing public attention around the Sandton confrontation and the businessman’s conduct.

Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga also urged Mudzinganyama to hand himself over to police, saying the law would catch up with him regardless of his wealth.

She praised the women involved for opening a case and said the incident highlighted the importance of addressing violence and threats against women.

Mudzinganyama subsequently apologised for the incident and acknowledged that he should have walked away and sought assistance from the restaurant’s management.

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

He added:

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

Mudzinganyama said he was seeking professional guidance and intended to undertake a conflict-management programme.

Government Probes Company Linked To Lawrence Mudzinganyama

The fallout has extended beyond the criminal investigation, with government departments examining the affairs of Moriel Infrastructure Group, a company of which Mudzinganyama was a director.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed the SANRAL board to establish whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed as a contractor and whether it is complying with the terms of its contract.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has separately directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations concerning the company's CIDB gradings.

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Among the allegations is that the company received several gradings on the same day and may not have met the requirements for those gradings. Those allegations have not been established as fact.

Moriel Infrastructure Group subsequently announced that Mudzinganyama had been removed from his positions as executive chairman and director with immediate effect.

“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 he would no longer represent or act on its behalf in any capacity.

Moriel also condemned the conduct shown in the restaurant footage and said it was inconsistent with its values.

The developments leave Mudzinganyama facing a criminal case stemming from the Sandton incident, while questions around his immigration status and business dealings are being examined separately.