Man accused of threatening three women at Sandton restaurant granted R15,000 bail

A man accused of entering the women’s toilet at a Sandton restaurant, threatening three witnesses and falsely claiming to be the restaurant owner was granted R15,000 bail after appearing in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court.

Charges and alleged conduct

National Prosecuting Authority spokesman Kaizer Kganyago said Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, 40, faced multiple charges when he appeared in court on Thursday. The charges listed by the state were:

• three counts of intimidation
• three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm
• three counts of crimen injuria
• one count of fraud

The charges relate to an incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton on September 18. The state alleged Mudzinganyama walked into the women’s powder room and demanded to photograph one of the witnesses, then threatened three witnesses with violence and death. The crimen injuria counts stem from allegations that he insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in front of others. The fraud charge relates to an allegation that he told witnesses he was the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, knowing he was not the lawful owner.

Arrest, further investigation and bail conditions

The source said Mudzinganyama was arrested at the Randburg police station on September 20 and was initially released on a warning on a single charge of intimidation. After further investigation, which included taking witness statements and securing video footage, the state brought additional charges and applied to the court to reconsider his release on a warning and to set bail.

The court granted him R15,000 bail on condition that he report to the Randburg police station once a week and not interfere directly or indirectly with witnesses, including staff at Vlamo Restaurant. He was ordered to hand his passport and any other travel documents to the investigating officer and not to leave Gauteng until the case is finalised.

Next court appearance

The case was postponed to October 15 for transfer to the regional court.