Mudzinganyama granted R15k bail in Vlamo Restaurant intimidation case

October 1, 2026 11

Zimbabwean businessman, Lawrence Mudzinganyama, who threatened to murder women at a restaurant in Randburg has been granted R15 000 bail.

Mudzinganyama was captured on video making the threats after one of the women reportedly rejected his romantic advances.

It is alleged that Mudzinganyama entered the women’s bathroom and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses.

He faces three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, three counts of crimen injuria and one count of fraud.

Following the widespread circulation of the video, Steyn City terminated his lease, while his company is also under investigation.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) says Mudzinganyama was initially released on warning on a charge of intimidation. However, following further investigations, including the securing of witness statements and video footage, the State has brought additional charges against him.

The crimen injuria charge relates to allegations that Mudzinganyama insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in the presence of others.

Meanwhile, the fraud charge relates to an allegation that Mudzinganyama falsely represented himself to the witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite allegedly knowing that he was not the lawful owner.

The court released him under strict bail conditions including, that he report to the Randburg Police Station once a week, refrain from directly or indirectly interfering with witnesses, including staff members of Vlamo Restaurant, and surrender his passport and any other travel documents to the investigating officer.

The 40-year-old will return to court on 15 October, when the matter is expected to be transferred to the regional court.