SANRAL probes Moriel contracts after Sandton restaurant video controversy

The fallout from a widely circulated video filmed at a Sandton restaurant has now reached South Africa’s national roads agency, with SANRAL investigating its relationship with construction company Moriel Infrastructure Group.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed the South African National Roads Agency SOC Limited (SANRAL) to establish whether Moriel was appointed lawfully and whether it is complying with the terms of its contracts.

The investigation places the focus on the company’s business relationship with SANRAL following allegations surrounding its founder and executive chairman, Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzingayima.

Mudzingayima was identified as the man in a video filmed at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate. The footage, which spread widely on social media, appears to show a confrontation involving women who had allegedly rejected his romantic advances.

The women are not visible in the circulated footage.

Video sparks wider scrutiny

According to the material provided, the confrontation allegedly happened inside the restaurant’s ladies’ bathroom.

In the recording, the man can be heard making threats against the women, including statements about killing them and shooting them. He also makes comments about his wealth and claims he could buy the restaurant.

The footage has since prompted scrutiny beyond the restaurant incident, with attention turning to Mudzingayima’s position as the head of a company that holds SANRAL contracts.

SANRAL confirmed that Moriel Infrastructure Group has two contracts with the roads agency, involving projects on the N1 and N2 national roads.

Acting SANRAL CEO Lehlohonolo Memeza said the investigation has already begun.

SANRAL reviewing its contracts

The roads agency said it is also consulting its legal advisers about possible action against Moriel over concerns that the company may have brought SANRAL’s reputation into disrepute.

At the same time, SANRAL is reviewing its procurement policies and standard tender documents.

One proposal under consideration is a clause that could exclude companies whose directors or senior managers are implicated in gender-based violence.

The agency has also called on other public and private organisations in the construction industry to explore ways of preventing companies linked to such allegations from securing contracts.

Steyn City has kicked out a Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama.

Steyn City has terminated the lease of a tenant after a video of him in a threatening and intimidating incident off-site went viral in the media.The luxury estate said the incident is of serious concern and they pic.twitter.com/fT7RUaU7Dg

Zola Hashatsi ka Motsiri (@zola_hashatsi) September 20, 2026

Steyn City terminates tenant’s lease

The consequences have also extended to Mudzingayima’s residential arrangements.

Steyn City confirmed that the individual identified in the video was a tenant at the estate and said his lease had been terminated following the incident.

The estate described the reported conduct as serious and said it strongly condemns violence and intimidation.

Steyn City also said it would cooperate with the relevant authorities and provide any assistance required.

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