By a Correspondent
Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been arrested by South African police in connection with allegations that he threatened a group of women at a Sandton restaurant, adding a new chapter to a controversy that has already cost him his leadership position at Morial Infrastructure Group and triggered multiple government investigations.
Police confirmed that Mudzinganyama was arrested on Sunday morning and later released on warning. He is expected to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 1. The arrest follows an intimidation case opened after a video circulated widely on social media showing him threatening women at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton.
The businessman had earlier issued an unreserved apology, admitting that his conduct was “unacceptable and unjustifiable” and acknowledging the fear and distress caused by the incident.
The fallout from the controversy has extended beyond the criminal investigation.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to investigate whether Morial Infrastructure Group, a company linked to Mudzinganyama, was lawfully appointed to SANRAL projects and whether it is complying with all contractual obligations. SANRAL has confirmed that the investigation is underway.
At the same time, Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations that Morial Infrastructure Group obtained multiple contractor gradings on the same day and whether the company met the requirements for those gradings.
The pressure intensified further when Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia said the Department of Home Affairs should investigate Mudzinganyama’s immigration status in South Africa.
Earlier on Sunday, Morial Infrastructure Group announced that it had severed ties with Madzinganyama, removing him as both Executive Chairman and Director with immediate effect. The company said he would no longer represent or act on behalf of the group in any capacity and described the conduct captured in the video as inconsistent with its values.
