Businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, whose confrontation with women at a Randburg restaurant sparked widespread public outrage after a video of the incident went viral, has appeared in court facing multiple criminal charges.

The Zimbabwean national, Mudzinganyama, 40, appeared before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Thursday following his arrest on September 20 in connection with the incident at Vlamo Restaurant.

The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said he initially faced a charge of intimidation and was released on warning after his arrest at Randburg Police Station.

However, further investigations, including the obtaining of witness statements and video footage, resulted in additional charges being brought against him.

Mudzinganyama is now facing 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.

The charges relate to an incident on September 18, when Mudzinganyama allegedly entered the restaurant’s female powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses.

The State alleges that he subsequently threatened three witnesses with violence and death.

The three crimen injuria charges relate to allegations that he insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in the presence of other people.

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

The case attracted significant attention after video footage of the confrontation circulated widely on social media.

In the footage, Mudzinganyama is heard allegedly threatening the women, including saying he could “put a bullet” in them and that he would murder them and walk away.

The video triggered strong public backlash, with social media users calling for authorities and businesses to take action against him. Mudzinganyama later apologised, describing his language as unacceptable and unjustifiable.

The incident also prompted government intervention beyond the criminal investigation.

Then Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and People with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga called on Mudzinganyama to hand himself over to police following the circulation of the video.

“The law will find him no matter how rich he is,” Chikunga said in response to the controversy.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also ordered an investigation into Mudzinganyama’s residency status by the Department of Home Affairs.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy meanwhile instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to investigate the appointment of Moriel Infrastructure Group following the controversy surrounding Mudzinganyama.

Mudzinganyama was at the time associated with Moriel Infrastructure Group as its executive chairman and director. The company subsequently terminated its association with him following the circulation of the video.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson also directed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations concerning the company’s CIDB gradings.

The State subsequently brought an application for the reconsideration of Mudzinganyama’s release on warning and for bail to be imposed in the interests of justice.

The court granted him R15,000 bail.

As part of his bail conditions, Mudzinganyama must report once a week to Randburg Police Station, may not directly or indirectly interfere with witnesses, including Vlamo staff, and must surrender his passport and other travel documents to the investigating officer.

He has also been ordered not to leave Gauteng while the matter is pending.

The case was postponed to October 15, 2026, when it is expected to be transferred to the regional court.

The NPA said it recognised the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected.

It said it remained committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offences through diligent, impartial and effective prosecutions.