Zimbabwean Man Lawrence Mudzinganyama Arrested After Threatening Women At Sandton Restaurant

Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been arrested after a video showing him threatening women at a Sandton restaurant sparked a police investigation and intervention from South African authorities.

Mudzinganyama was arrested on Sunday, 20 September, and released on warning, with the case now set to proceed at the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October.

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Mudzinganyama To Appear In Court

According to IOL, South African Police Service spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the arrest and said investigations were continuing.

“The man was arrested this morning, 20 September 2026, and was released on warning to appear before Randburg court on 01 October 2026. Police investigations continue,” Nevhuhulwi said.

Viral Video Sparks Investigation

The arrest follows a video that spread widely on social media over the weekend showing an altercation at the Sandton establishment.

Mudzinganyama is heard making a series of threats during the confrontation, including:

“I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”

The footage prompted intervention from authorities, with Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia addressing the incident during the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide meeting on Sunday.

Cachalia said the case had been prioritised and described the conduct as unacceptable.

Minister Calls For Immigration Status Probe

Cachalia also called for Mudzinganyama’s immigration status to be examined by the Department of Home Affairs.

“I think that his status in the country should also be investigated by the Department of Home Affairs and if he’s not here legally, other measures can be considered,” he said.

The minister said authorities wanted Mudzinganyama held accountable over the incident.

“We are prioritising this case. I understand that his behaviour was outrageous, unacceptable, and he has to understand that. As I’m saying, this is the political leadership that we want this man brought to book.”

Mudzinganyama Apologises

Following the backlash, Mudzinganyama apologised for his conduct and acknowledged that the language he used during the confrontation was inappropriate.

He said the words were “unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement”.

“I should have exercised restraint, removed myself from the situation and sought assistance from the restaurant’s management. I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct.”

Mudzinganyama also said he would cooperate with law enforcement and participate in a conflict-management programme.

Company Cuts Ties With Mudzinganyama

The controversy has also cost Mudzinganyama his positions at Moriel Infrastructure Group, where he was serving as executive chairman and director.

The company’s board announced that it had terminated its association with him with immediate effect.

“Mr Mudzinganyama has been removed from both positions. He will no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of Moriel Infrastructure Group in any capacity,” the company said.

Moriel said the decision was based on its expectations around conduct and accountability, adding that the behaviour shown in the footage did not align with its values.

“The conduct shown in the footage is inconsistent with the organisation’s values,” the company said.

The company also condemned violence against women, as well as threatening, abusive and intimidating behaviour.