Self-proclaimed businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama , a Zimbabwean national, who has been captured in a viral video threatening women at an upmarket Sandton restaurant, has been released on warning .
Mudzinganyama spent time in police custody on Sunday before being released on warning.
He is due to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 1.
SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that police arrested Mudzinganyama on September 20.
“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.
The arrest stems from an incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton on Friday, September 18, which was captured on video and subsequently circulated widely online.
The footage appears to capture an altercation involving Mudzinganyama and a group of women.
During the confrontation, he is allegedly heard making a threat to shoot and kill one of the women.
“I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”
The incident was raised by Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia during a meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide on Sunday.
Cachalia said the authorities had identified the matter as a priority.
“There’s a Zimbabwean gentleman, apparently of some wealth, in a Sandton restaurant who openly uttered threats that, the threats, of course, amount to unlawful conduct in our society, in our country,” Cachalia said.
He said the Department of Home Affairs should also establish whether Mudzinganyama was legally entitled to remain in South Africa.
“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.”
Cachalia said the government wanted the matter dealt with and Mudzinganyama held accountable for his alleged conduct.
“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 later apologised publicly over the incident and acknowledged that his conduct was inappropriate.
He described the language he used during the confrontation as “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.”
He also said he intended to assist investigators and agreed to undergo a conflict-management programme.
The incident has also resulted in Mudzinganyama losing his positions at Moriel Infrastructure Group.
Mudzinganyama had been serving as the company’s executive chairman and a director.
Moriel Infrastructure Group said its board had resolved to immediately end its relationship with him.
“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.
According to the company, the decision was based on its commitment to maintaining “the highest standards of conduct, accountability and respect”.
“The conduct shown in the footage is inconsistent with the organisation’s values,” the company said.
The company also said it opposed violence against women as well as conduct involving threats, intimidation or abuse.
“The company recognises the seriousness of gender-based violence in South Africa and remains committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for its employees, stakeholders and the wider community,” it said.
Police have continued with their investigation into the incident.
Mudzinganyama is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 1.
