Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama Arrested and Released After Sandton Restaurant Threats
- Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama was arrested after threatening to shoot women inside the ladies' bathroom at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton
- He was released on warning and is expected to appear in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 1 October
- South Africans expressed outrage online, saying his release came at the worst possible time given a wave of GBV-related discoveries in Gauteng
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Source: Getty Images
GAUTENG - A Sandton businessman was arrested on Thursday morning after a disturbing confrontation at a local restaurant left women fearing for their lives.
Lawrence Mudzinganyama was taken into custody in connection with threatening remarks he made at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate. In audio circulating online, a man is heard barging into or confronting women near the ladies' bathroom, telling them:
"I'll murder you now and walk. I'll put a bullet in all of you."
The women involved are not visible in the footage.
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Police confirm arrest
Police confirmed the arrest and said Mudzinganyama has since been released on warning. He is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on 1 October.
Vlamo issued a statement confirming the incident took place at its establishment but stressed that Mudzinganyama had no affiliation with the restaurant, was not employed by them, and was not associated with Vlamo in any way, despite claims reportedly made during the confrontation.
Government steps in
The incident drew attention from senior officials. Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said Home Affairs should look into Mudzinganyama's status in South Africa, adding:
"If he isn't here legally, other matters can be considered."
Lawrence Mudzinganyama has not been found guilty of any offence. The allegations against him have not been proven in court, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Mzansi reacts with fury
The release came during one of the most devastating weeks for gender-based violence in recent memory. Nine women's bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni, and a tenth was found in Soweto on Monday morning. Many South Africans felt the timing made Mudzinganyama's release on warning completely unacceptable.
@Pale_Pale18 wrote:
"How??? When he literally threatened to kill women. SA government really? Are the victims even safe? Are we safe?"
@JustTulani said:
"How was he released on Sunday? Who do I complain to cause our brothers don't come out until Monday, what judge released him on Sunday? What criminal justice system is this?"
@nozi03 reacted:
"Released on a warning???? So y'all released him to finish off those women he was threatening??"
@nkos58506 added:
"Released on a warning 😔🫣 this government is too lenient on the perpetrators of GBV. Women are scared for their lives out there and this guy just threatened their lives and he got a warning."
@Mo_La_F asked:
"Nah! Is this what they do when women are abused by their partners, release them with a warning."
Transport minister orders probe to businessman's tenders.
Previously, Briefly News reported that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy separately ordered an investigation into Lawrence Mudzinganyama company's involvement in SANRAL tenders.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.
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Source: Briefly News
