Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama has been arrested after a video showing him threatening women at a Sandton restaurant went viral.

MyBroadband reported that Mudzinganyama was arrested following the incident and later released on warning. SAPS spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed he was arrested on 20 September and is due to appear in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on 1 October.

Apology follows viral restaurant incident

The video was recorded at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate and shows Mudzinganyama making threatening remarks towards a group of women.

SABC News reported that he later issued a public apology, admitting that his aggressive and threatening language was unacceptable and committing to cooperate with law enforcement.

Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia also confirmed that police were investigating the incident, according to SABC News.

Government probes company

The incident has also placed Mudzinganyama’s business interests under scrutiny.

EWN reported that Transport Minister Barbara Creecy directed SANRAL’s board to determine whether Moriel Infrastructure Group was appointed in accordance with the law and whether it is complying with its contract.

MyBroadband also reported that Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson instructed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day and may not have met the necessary requirements.

Steyn City terminates lease

Steyn City Properties confirmed that Mudzinganyama was a tenant and that his lease had been terminated following the off-site incident.

According to MyBroadband, the estate said the decision was taken in the interest of residents’ safety and security and that it would cooperate with authorities.

Moriel Infrastructure Group has also cut ties with Mudzinganyama.

SABC News reported that the company removed him as executive chairman and director with immediate effect following the incident.