FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sonke Gender Justice strongly condemns the incident at VLAMO Restaurant at Sandton Gate on Thursday evening, 18 September 2026, in which a group of women were threatened with death after rejecting a man’s advances.
The incident, captured on video and now circulating widely, shows a man confronting women inside the ladies’ powder room. In the footage, he is heard saying: “I’ll murder you now and walk” and “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.” He is also heard boasting about his wealth, stating: “I’m a wealthy man. You guys are poor ladies” and “I buy this restaurant. I own it.”
The man has been identified by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster as Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama, a director of Moriel Infrastructure Group. The confrontation reportedly began after the women declined his romantic advances and informed him that he was not permitted inside the ladies’ powder room.
VLAMO Restaurant has confirmed that the incident occurred on its premises, stated that the individual is not affiliated with the restaurant, and indicated that immediate action was taken to remove him. A case of intimidation was opened with the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Gauteng Provincial Investigation Unit has taken over the matter.
We commend the women who had the courage to record and report the incident.
This incident is not about one man. It is about a culture of toxic masculinity that remains pervasive in our country.
That a man could feel entitled to follow women into a bathroom, threaten to shoot them because they said no, and declare that his money will allow him to evade accountability is a textbook example of patriarchal entitlement. It is the same entitlement that left nine women dead in Ekurhuleni over two months and that contributed to the murder of more than 500 women between April and June 2026.
We particularly welcome two immediate accountability measures:
- The criminal investigation
The SAPS intimidation case must proceed swiftly. We echo Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga’s call for full accountability in this matter.
- The Firearms Control Act process
We welcome the JCPS Cluster’s confirmation that the incident may trigger a Section 102 inquiry to determine whether an individual should be declared unfit to possess a firearm. Threatening to “put a bullet” in women cannot coexist with lawful firearm ownership.
Mr Mudzinganyama has since issued a statement apologising for his conduct, acknowledging that it was unacceptable, and stating that he will cooperate with police investigations. While the apology is noted, it does not replace accountability. He must submit to the legal process and allow the law to take its course.
Sonke calls on:
- All witnesses who were present at VLAMO Restaurant on the evening of 18 September 2026 to come forward and assist the investigation.
- VLAMO Restaurant to account for the security failures that allowed an individual to follow women into a bathroom and threaten patrons on its premises. We remain deeply concerned about what could have happened had he been armed.
- The restaurant and hospitality sector to strengthen and enforce zero-tolerance protocols for harassment, particularly in bathrooms and other isolated spaces.
- Men across South Africa to understand a simple principle: No means no. It must be respected the first time, every time.
Sonke Gender Justice will continue to monitor this case closely to ensure that justice is served.
ENDS/
For media enquiries, contact:
Amukelani Chauke, Regional Communications and Social Media Coordinator, Sonke Gender Justice: amu@genderjustice.org.za | 074 857 4254
Bafana Khumalo, Co-Executive Director, Sonke Gender Justice: bafana@genderjustice.org.za | 082 578 4479
NOTE TO EDITORS
Established in 2006, Sonke Gender Justice is a South African-based non-profit organisation working across Africa to advance gender equality, prevent gender-based violence, strengthen state accountability for GBVF, and promote gender transformation. Sonke believes that women and men, girls and boys can work together to resist patriarchy, advocate for gender justice, and build safer, more equal communities. In 2026, Sonke celebrates 20 years of service.
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