NPA ready to proceed against Lawrence Mudzinganyama on 10 charges

The Zimbabwean businessman faces charges including intimidation, assault and fraud following an alleged incident at a Randburg restaurant.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says it is ready to proceed with its case against Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, who faces 10 charges following allegations that he threatened and insulted a group of women at a restaurant in Randburg.

The 40-year-old appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court earlier this month after an incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton attracted widespread attention on social media.

Mudzinganyama was released on R15 000 bail, which has been extended until his next court appearance.

Mudzinganyama faces 10 charges

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago confirmed that the state had provided the defence with the contents of the case docket.

The matter has since been transferred to the Regional Court at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court for further proceedings.

According to Kganyago, the charges against Mudzinganyama comprise three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, three counts of crimen injuria and one count of fraud.

Mudzinganyama was arrested at the Randburg Police Station on 20 September 2026. He was initially released on a warning while facing an intimidation charge.

Further investigations, including the collection of witness statements and video footage, led to additional charges being brought against him.

Viral video sparked public reaction

The case gained attention after a video of the alleged confrontation circulated widely online. The footage appeared to show Mudzinganyama threatening a group of women who reportedly rejected his advances.

In the video, he was heard boasting about his wealth and making threats against the women.

“I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk,” he was heard saying.

Following the backlash, Mudzinganyama issued an apology for his conduct during the incident.

He said he unreservedly apologised to the women involved and acknowledged that he should have walked away and sought assistance from the restaurant’s management.

“I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct,” he said.

What are the charges about?

Kganyago explained that the crimen injuria charges relate to allegations that Mudzinganyama insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in front of other people.

The fraud charge stems from an allegation that he falsely presented himself to witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite allegedly knowing that he was not its lawful owner.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

When is Mudzinganyama due back in court?

The defence requested additional time to consult with Mudzinganyama. The matter was postponed to 30 October 2026 for a trial date to be determined.

His bail was extended until his next appearance.

The NPA said it was prepared to proceed with the case and remained committed to prosecuting matters diligently while ensuring that accused persons receive a fair trial.

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Source: The Citizen