Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama issued a public apology on Sunday 20 September 2026 after a video of him threatening women at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton went viral. Image: Supplied
Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama has issued an apology after a video of him threatening women at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton went viral. “I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton,” Mudzinganyama said in a statement on Sunday 20 September 2026.
In his statement, Mudzinganyama acknowledged that his conduct was unacceptable. Taking full responsibility for the fear and distress he caused, he committed to cooperating with law enforcement. He also pledged to pursue conflict-management training so he can handle frustration more constructively going forward.
Furthermore, police arrested him following the incident on 18 September 2026. Officers opened an intimidation case at Randburg police station and he is set to appear in court soon. In the viral video, he threatened women at the restaurant after his advances were rejected. He told them he could shoot them and that he would murder them and walk away.
Government Launches Probes After Sandton Powder Room Threat Video
As a result, senior government officials moved quickly. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the threats amount to unlawful conduct and confirmed law enforcement is prioritising the case. The minister also called on the Department of Home Affairs to probe Mudzinganyama’s legal status in the country. “If he is not here legally, other measures can be considered,” he said.
Meanwhile, Transport Minister Barbra Creecy ordered SANRAL to investigate whether Mudzinganyama’s company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, won its government contracts lawfully. Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson directed the Construction Industry Development Board to examine the company’s credential gradings as well.
In addition, Moriel Infrastructure Group moved swiftly to distance itself from the incident. Mudzinganyama lost his position as Executive Chairman and director on the same day the video went viral. The group issued no public statement beyond confirming his removal.
Questions about his immigration status added another dimension to the public outcry. South Africans called for a full account of how he entered the country, how long he has been here, and on what basis he holds any business or residency status in South Africa.
Consequently, the incident reignited national conversations about the treatment of women in public spaces, the accountability of wealthy individuals, and the responsibilities of government when contractors bring the state into disrepute.