By a Correspondent
Zimbabwean businessman and socialite based in South Africa Lawrence Madzinganyama has come under public scrutiny following an incident at a Sandton restaurant in which he was allegedly recorded threatening a group of women after one of them rejected his advances.
The incident occurred at an upmarket Vlamo Restaurant, a recently opened establishment located at Sandton Gate along Winnie Mandela Drive in Johannesburg.
Videos circulating on social media show a confrontation between Madzinganyama and several female patrons. In the footage, he is alleged to have made threats against the women during an argument that witnesses said followed the rejection of his advances.
According to videos widely shared online, Madzinganyama allegedly told the women he would “put a bullet” in them and made further remarks interpreted as threats of violence.
Restaurant management subsequently removed him from the premises.
In a statement issued after the incident, Vlamo Restaurant said Madzinganyama is neither employed by nor affiliated with the establishment. The restaurant condemned the conduct captured in the videos and said it remains committed to maintaining a safe environment for customers and staff.
“Any form of intimidation, harassment or abuse will not be tolerated on our premises,” the restaurant said.
The videos have attracted significant attention on social media, where users have condemned the alleged threats and called for accountability.
The incident comes at a time when South Africa is facing heightened concern over violence against women following a series of murders under investigation in Gauteng Province. Police are investigating the deaths of several women whose bodies were discovered in areas including Kempton Park, Olifantsfontein, Dawn Park and Rhodesfield in recent months.
Among the victims was 28-year-old Zimbabwean national Gracious Nkomo, whose body was found near the R21 highway in Kempton Park.
South African authorities have intensified investigations into the killings, with President Cyril Ramaphosa directing law enforcement agencies to prioritise the cases.
