MAN APPEARS IN COURT ON MULTIPLE CHARGES RELATING TO VLAMO RESTAURANT

Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama (40) made his first appearance before the Randburg Magistrates’ Court following his arrest in connection with an incident at a restaurant in Randburg.

Mudzinganyama was arrested on 20 September 2026 at the Randburg Police Station and was initially released on a warning on a charge of intimidation. Following further investigations, including the securing of witness statements and video footage, the State has brought additional charges against him.

The accused is 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 stem from an incident which allegedly occurred on 18 September 2026 at Vlamo Restaurant in Randburg. It is alleged that Mudzinganyama entered the female powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses. The State further alleges that he threatened three witnesses with violence and death.

He is also facing three counts of crimen injuria relating to allegations that he insulted the complainants and impaired their dignity by calling them a derogatory name in the presence of others.

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

The court subsequently released him on R15 000 bail, with conditions that he reports once a week to the Randburg Police Station, refrain from directly or indirectly interfering with witnesses, including staff members of Vlamo Restaurant, surrender his passport and any other travel documents to the investigating officer and not leave Gauteng pending the finalisation of the matter.

The matter was postponed to 15 October 2026 to be transferred to the regional court.

The NPA recognises the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected and remains committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offences through diligent, impartial and effective prosecutions.

Ends

Media Enquiries:

Mr Kaizer Kganyago

NPA Spokesperson