Lawrence Mudzinganyama granted R15,000 bail after threatening women in Sandton restaurant

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been granted R15 000 bail after being charged in connection with an incident at a Sandton restaurant in Johannesburg that was captured in a viral video.

Who, what and where

The 40-year-old appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October 2026 following his arrest over threats directed at a group of women. The viral footage shows him making severe threats after the women allegedly rejected his advances.

Charges and court process

Mudzinganyama faces 10 charges, including fraud, intimidation, crimen injuria and assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The matter was postponed to 15 October 2026 for transfer to the regional court.

Video and apology

In clips widely shared on social media, he is heard saying:

“I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”

After the incident went viral, Mudzinganyama issued an apology:

“I apologise unreservedly to the women involved in the recent incident at Vlamo restaurant in Sandton. I did not, and I accept responsibility for my words and conduct.”

Arrest, investigation and the NPA

He was arrested on 20 September 2026 at the Randburg Police Station and initially released on a warning on a charge of intimidation. Further investigations, including witness statements and video footage, led the state to add more charges.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the charges had increased since the arrest and described the prosecution’s case as “watertight.” He noted there are now three counts of intimidation and that some fraud charges relate to alleged false claims about owning a restaurant.

Bail conditions and wider context

Bail conditions require Mudzinganyama to appear weekly in court and bar him from interfering with witnesses. Kganyago emphasised one condition:

“He should not intimidate witnesses. We are very clear that he must not do that.”

Kganyago welcomed the decision to set bail at R15 000 and linked it to the broader context of gender-based violence, saying the decision sends a clear message and that the NPA may bring additional charges as investigations continue.