Businessman Mudzinganyama Now Faces 10 Charges In Restaurant Case

Zimbabwe-born businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama is facing 10 criminal charges in South Africa following further investigations into an alleged incident at Vlamo Restaurant in Randburg.

Mudzinganyama, 40, appeared in court on Thursday, 15 October 2026, when additional charges, including fraud, were brought against him. The matter was postponed to 30 October 2026 for a trial date to be determined.

He was initially arrested on 20 September 2026 at Randburg Police Station and released on warning on an intimidation charge linked to the alleged incident.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), further investigations, including the collection of witness statements and video footage, resulted in nine additional charges being brought against him.

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.

The State alleges that the incident occurred on 18 September 2026 at Vlamo Restaurant in Randburg.

Prosecutors allege that Mudzinganyama entered the women’s restroom and demanded to photograph one of the witnesses. He is also accused of threatening three witnesses with violence and death.

The three crimen injuria charges relate to allegations that he insulted the complainants and violated their dignity by using a derogatory term against them in front of other people.

The fraud charge arises from allegations that Mudzinganyama falsely presented himself to the witnesses as the owner of Vlamo Restaurant, despite allegedly knowing that he was not its lawful owner.

The NPA said the defence had been provided with the contents of the case docket, while the matter has been transferred to the Regional Court at the Randburg Magistrates’ Court for further proceedings.

The defence requested more time to consult with the accused, and his bail conditions were extended until his next court appearance.

NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said prosecutors were ready to proceed with the case and remained committed to ensuring that criminal matters were handled diligently while safeguarding the accused’s right to a fair trial.

The allegations are yet to be tested in court, and Mudzinganyama is presumed innocent until proven guilty.