Businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama was granted R15 000 bail in the Randburg Magistrates Court on Thursday. Image credit Supplied
The Randburg Magistrates Court has granted Lawrence Mudzinganyama bail of R15 000. The 40 year old businessman now faces 10 charges linked to the incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton on 18 September.
Mudzinganyama faces three counts each of intimidation, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and crimen injuria. In addition, he faces one count of fraud.
According to the State, the fraud charge relates to claims that he told witnesses he owned Vlamo Restaurant. However, prosecutors say he knew he was not the lawful owner.
Strict conditions attached to Lawrence Mudzinganyama bail
The court attached several conditions to his release. First, he must report to Randburg police station every week. Second, he may not contact any witnesses or Vlamo Restaurant staff, directly or indirectly. He must also hand his passport and travel documents to the investigating officer. Finally, he may not leave Gauteng until the case ends.
National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the State added the new charges after further investigation. This included witness statements and video footage.
According to Kganyago, the State alleges that Mudzinganyama walked into the women’s bathroom and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses. Furthermore, the State alleges that he threatened three women with violence and death.
The incident first came to light when a video of the confrontation went viral. In the footage, he threatened women at the restaurant after they rejected his advances. Police arrested him on 18 September and opened an intimidation case at Randburg police station.
Soon after, he issued a public apology. In it, he said he took full responsibility for the fear he caused and promised to cooperate with police.
The case also drew the attention of government. Police Minister Firoz Cachalia called for a probe into his legal status in the country. In addition, ministers ordered investigations into government contracts held by his former company, Moriel Infrastructure Group.
Meanwhile, commentary across social media platforms questioned the bail amount, with many users arguing that it was too low given the charges.
For now, the Lawrence Mudzinganyama bail ruling allows him to stay out of custody, and the case returns to court on 15 October for transfer to the regional court.
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