Caught on camera: The threat that triggered a SANRAL probe (Video)

The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has confirmed it is investigating one of its own contractors, Moriel Infrastructure Group.

This follows footage showing its founder and then-executive chairman threatening women at a Johannesburg restaurant.

Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama was filmed confronting a group of women at Vlamo Restaurant in Sandtonon 19 September.

The footage has since gone viral.

It prompted a criminal case, ministerial intervention, and his removal from the company entirely.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENED AT THE RESTAURANT

According to widely circulated footage, the confrontation began near the restaurant’s ladies’ restroom.

The women reportedly rejected Mudzinganyama’s advances beforehand.

In the video, he is heard making direct threats of violence against the women.

A case was opened with SAPS on Saturday, 20 September, and Mudzinganyama now faces an intimidation charge.

Mudzinganyama has since issued a personal statement.

He apologised “unreservedly” to the women involved, saying his “aggressive and threatening language was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement.”

He said he should have removed himself from the situation and sought help from restaurant management instead.

Mudzinganyama also committed to completing a conflict-management programme, while cooperating fully with any law enforcement investigation.

Vlamo Restaurant confirmed the incident occurred on its premises.

It clarified that Mudzinganyama has no ownership, employment or affiliation with the establishment.

He was removed once management became aware of the confrontation.

WHY THIS HAS BECOME A GOVERNMENT MATTER

The fallout moved quickly beyond the restaurant itself. 

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed SANRAL’sboard to investigate how Moriel Infrastructure Group secured its government contracts in the first place.

SANRAL has confirmed it holds two active contracts with the company, covering projects on the N1 and N2 national roads.

SANRAL’s Acting CEO, Lehlonolo Memeza, said the investigation would determine whether Moriel was lawfully appointed and whether it’s meeting its contractual obligations.

He added pointedly that “no South African can allow women to be threatened and insulted with impunity,” given the country’s ongoing gender-based violence crisis.

SANRAL has also confirmed it’s consulting lawyers over reputational damage.

It is also reviewing its tender documentation.

The goal is to add a clause specifically excluding companies whose directors or senior managers are implicated in gender-based violence.

SANRAL is now inviting other public and private construction-sector entities to adopt this same approach.

Separately, Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga publicly called on Mudzinganyama to hand himself over to police.

“The law will find him no matter how rich he is,” she said.

WHERE THINGS STAND NOW

Moriel Infrastructure Group has since terminated its association with Mudzinganyama entirely.

The company confirmed he has been removed from both his roles.

He will no longer represent, speak for, or act on behalf of the company in any capacity.

Property group Steyn City has also reportedly terminated his lease.

It’s a genuinely striking example of how quickly consequences can move once footage like this becomes public.

A company, a government contract, a personal apology and a criminal case, all unfolding within a matter of days.

Do you think SANRAL’s proposed blacklist for GBV-implicated executives should become standard across the construction industry?