Controversial Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama Granted R15,000 Bail for Sandton Restaurant Threats
Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been granted R15,000 bail by the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The 40-year-old faces ten charges, including fraud, intimidation, crimen injuria, and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, following an incident where he allegedly threatened a group of women at an upmarket Sandton restaurant.
Mudzinganyama’s legal troubles escalated last month after a video circulated widely on social media. The footage captured him in a female bathroom at the Vlamo restaurant in Sandton, threatening to shoot and kill a group of women.
In the recording, he is heard saying: “I could put a b*llet in you now. I do not play. I will m*rder you now and walk.”
He also boasted that his wealth shielded him from legal consequences, claiming he was “too wealthy” to face repercussions.
Following the public outcry, he was arrested on 20 September and initially released on a warning to appear in court.
The fallout from the incident has been swift and severe for the businessman. His company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, terminated his role as Executive Chairman and director. Residential estate Steyn City cancelled his lease agreement. Three government ministers have ordered investigations into his state dealings. This includes a R16 million eThekwini Municipality tender and various contracts with SANRAL. The Department of Home Affairs has launched an audit into his immigration status.
Mudzinganyama has since issued a public apology, describing his behaviour in the video as “unacceptable and unjustifiable.”
Following his appearance on Wednesday, the court postponed the case to 15 October 2026 for further investigation.