Transport Minister Orders Probe Into Contractor After Viral Sandton Restaurant Incident
- Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed SANRAL's board to probe the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group
- The scrutiny follows a video of Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama threatening women at a Sandton restaurant going viral
- A case of intimidation was opened at Randburg police station, with the Gauteng provincial investigation unit now involved
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SOUTH AFRICA - Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the board of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to look into how Moriel Infrastructure Group secured its government contract. The instruction follows public scrutiny over the company's ties to Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama.
SANRAL confirmed it would act on the minister's directive, saying it would examine whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was legally appointed and whether the company is honouring its contractual obligations.
Businessman caught on camera threatening women in Sandton
The controversy began when a video circulated widely on social media showing a man, later identified as Mudzinganyama, confronting a group of women at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton. The alleged confrontation took place inside the restaurant's ladies' bathroom after a dispute over his advances.
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In the footage, Mudzinganyama is heard making serious threats, including threatening to shoot and kill the women. He also reportedly made references to his wealth, claiming he could purchase the restaurant outright.
The clip drew swift and sharp public reaction, with many calling on the women to open a police case. A charge of intimidation was subsequently filed at Randburg police station, and the Gauteng provincial investigation unit has since taken over the matter.
Vlamo restaurant confirmed the incident occurred on its premises and stressed that Mudzinganyama had no affiliation with the establishment. Management said he was removed promptly once the confrontation came to light. The restaurant added that it maintains zero tolerance for any behaviour that threatens the safety or dignity of its guests and staff.
SANRAL contract now under the microscope
The backlash has since extended beyond the incident itself, raising questions about Moriel Infrastructure Group's public sector work.
Moriel describes itself as an engineering, procurement and construction group with operations across South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa, with infrastructure and road projects among its core activities. Public tender records show the company among bidders for SANRAL projects.
Creecy's directive tasks the agency's board with confirming whether proper procurement processes were followed during Moriel's appointment and whether the company continues to meet its contractual responsibilities.
The SANRAL investigation will run alongside the separate police inquiry into the Sandton incident. Its findings are expected to shed light on the full nature of Moriel's relationship with the roads agency.
These news drew scrutiny as GBV has been in the national spotlight folowing the discovery of nine women's bodies in Ekurhuleni, prompting for the call for women's safety to be prioritised.
Men march against GBV after Ekurhuleni killings
Briefly News also reported that men from Ekurhuleni gathered in large numbers on 18 September 2026 to march against gender-based violence. The footage, shared on TikTok, showed a determined crowd moving through streets lined with taxis and vans in what appeared to be a township business area, with a caption reading "Ekurhuleni Men are saying Enough is Enough."
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Source: Briefly News
