Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama has been granted R15,000 bail after appearing in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on 10 charges arising from an alleged confrontation at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton.
The 40-year-old faces three counts of intimidation, three counts of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm (GBH), three counts of crimen injuria and one count of fraud.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the charges relate to an incident allegedly involving three witnesses at the restaurant on September 18.
The state alleges that Mudzinganyama entered the female powder room and demanded to take photographs of one of the witnesses. It further alleges that he threatened three witnesses with violence and death.
ALSO READ: Lawrence Mudzinganyama put a bullet in his business, Moriel under investigation
Mudzinganyama also faces three counts of crimen injuria over 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 he falsely represented himself to the witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite knowing that he was not the lawful owner.
Mudzinganyama was initially arrested on September 20 at the Randburg Police Station and was released on warning on a charge of intimidation.
The NPA said further investigations, including obtaining witness statements and video footage, resulted in additional charges being brought against him.
ALSO READ: SANRAL rejects Zim homeboy links to Lawrence Mudzinganyama
The State subsequently applied for the reconsideration of his release on warning and for bail to be imposed in the interests of justice.
Bail conditions
Mudzinganyama must report once a week to the Randburg Police Station, surrender his passport and other travel documents to the investigating officer, and may not leave Gauteng while the matter is pending.
He has also been ordered not to directly or indirectly interfere with the witnesses, including staff members of Vlamo Restaurant.
The NPA said it recognised the seriousness of allegations involving violence, threats and intimidation, particularly where women may be affected, and remained committed to addressing gender-based violence and related offences through diligent and impartial prosecutions.
The matter was postponed to October 15 for transfer to the regional court.
- Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama was granted R15,000 bail after appearing in Randburg Magistrates’ Court on charges related to an incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandton.
- He faces three counts each of intimidation, assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm, and crimen injuria, plus one count of fraud.
- The charges stem from an alleged September 18 incident where Mudzinganyama demanded to photograph a witness in the female powder room and threatened three witnesses with violence and death.
- The fraud charge alleges that Mudzinganyama falsely claimed to be the owner of Vlamo Restaurant despite knowing he was not.
- Bail conditions include weekly reporting to Randburg Police, surrendering travel documents, remaining within Gauteng, and not interfering with witnesses; the matter is postponed to October 15 for transfer to regional court.
