Zimbabwean businessman granted R15,000 bail in SA

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, 40, has been granted bail of R15,000 after appearing before the Randburg Magistrates' Court on Thursday in connection with allegations stemming from an incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Randburg.

Mudzinganyama was arrested on 20 September 2026 at Randburg Police Station after initially being released on a warning on a charge of intimidation.

It is alleged that Mudzinganyama entered the restaurant's ladies' powder room, demanded to photograph one of the women and threatened three women with violence and death. A video purportedly showing him intimidating the women has since circulated.

During Thursday's proceedings, the State applied for the court to reconsider his release on a warning and impose bail in the interests of justice.

Following further investigations, additional charges were brought against Mudzinganyama. He now faces 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.

National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Magaboke Mahlotlole said the fraud charge relates to allegations that Mudzinganyama falsely presented himself to the witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite allegedly knowing that he was not the lawful owner.

As part of his bail conditions, Mudzinganyama must report once a week to Randburg Police Station and is prohibited from directly or indirectly interfering with witnesses, including Vlamo Restaurant staff.

He was also ordered to surrender his passport and any other travel documents to the investigating officer and may not leave Gauteng until the matter is finalised.

The case will return to the Randburg Magistrates' Court on 15 October 2026 for transfer to the regional court.