Zim businessman faces multiple charges over Vlamo restaurant threats

0 Lawrence Mudzingayama appeared in he Randburg Magistrates Court relating to an incident at Vlamo restaurant last month. Images via X Home » News » Zim businessman faces multiple charges over Vlamo restaurant threats

Zim businesswoman Lawrence Mudzinganyama appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court relating to a viral video at Vlamo restaurant.

0 Lawrence Mudzingayama appeared in he Randburg Magistrates Court relating to an incident at Vlamo restaurant last month. Images via X Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama made his first appearance in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court relating to an incident at the Vlamo restaurant in Sandton last month. The 40-year-old was caught on camera threatening the lives of a group of women who had allegedly rejected his romantic advances.

On Thursday, 1 October, Lawrence Mudzinganyama appeared in the Randburg Magistrates Court, where he is facing three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, three counts of crimen injuria and one count of fraud.

The Zim businessman was arrested in connection with a viral video of him appearing to threaten a group of women at the Vlamo restaurant on 18 September. 

In a clip posted on social media, Mudzinganyama allegedly entered the restaurant’s female powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of his accusers, who had rejected his advances.

The 40-year-old was captured threatening a group of three women with violence and death.

Lawrence Chamurwa Mudgingyama (40) is appearing in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court following his arrest in connection with an incident at a restaurant in Randburg. He is facing 3 counts of intimidation, 3 counts of assault with intent to do GBH, 3 counts of crimen injuria & fraud pic.twitter.com/vIkRtYczbI

Mudzingayama also falsely presented himself as the restaurant’s owner.

He has been released on R15 000 bail, with conditions that he surrender his passport and travel documents to authorities and remain in Gaueng pending the investigation. He is also required to report weekly to the Randburg Police Station and refrain from directly or indirectly interfering with witnesses, including staff members of Vlamo Restaurant.

Lawrence Mudzingayama will make his next appearance on 15 October.

The National Prosecuting Authority stated that it “recognised the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected and remains committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offences through diligent, impartial and effective prosecutions”.

In the viral video, Lawrence Mudzingayama told the three women, “I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”

He added, “I will put a bullet in all of you in the head. I am a wealthy man; you guys are poor ladies. I can buy this restaurant, I own it. The owner works for me.” MyBroadband

Mudzinyama went on to brag about living in Steyn City and travelling abroad.

Since the video went viral, here is what happened:

Vlamo restaurant released a statement, condemning the man’s actions and confirming that a case of intimidation had been opened against him.

Mudzinganyama handed himself over to the police. He will appear in the Randburg Magistrates Court on 1 October.

He has issued a public apology, vowing to seek professional help.

Mudzinganyama’s residential lease at Steyn City has been terminated.

Minister of Transport Barbara Creezy instructed the SANRAL board to investigate a R107 million tender awarded to Mudzinganyama’s engineering and construction company, Moriel Infrastructure Group. SANRAL is seeking legal counsel about Mudzinganyama bringing their reputation into disrepute.

Moriel has removed him from his executive position.

Minister of Public Works, Dean Macpherson, has also called for an investigation over allegations that Mudzinganyama had irregularly acquired multiple gradings from the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) all on the same day.

Minister in the Presidency for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga urged Lawrence Mudzinganyama to hand himself over to the authorities.

Moriel Infrastructure Group have removed him from his executive position.

Acting Minister of Police Firoz Cachalia has stated that authorities are looking into the high-priority investigation against Lawrence Madzinganyama. 

He said during a media briefing: “I’m not sure what the position is in Zimbabwe, but it’s not allowed – it’s illegal, it’s unlawful” in South Africa.

Cachalia urged the Department of Home Affairs to look into Mudzinganyama’s immigration status.

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