Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has directed the board of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to establish whether engineering and construction firm Moriel Infrastructure Group was appointed in accordance with the law and whether the company is meeting the terms of its contract.
The investigation follows scrutiny surrounding the company’s alleged links to Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzingayima, who recently attracted widespread attention after footage of a confrontation at a Sandton restaurant circulated online.
SANRAL has confirmed that it will carry out the investigation following the minister’s instruction.
Businessman linked to viral Sandton incident
Mudzingayima has been identified as the man featured in video footage recorded at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate.
The footage appears to show him confronting a group of women after they allegedly rejected his romantic advances. The women cannot be seen in the video that has circulated on social media.
The incident reportedly took place inside the restaurant’s ladies’ bathroom.
Threats captured on video
During the confrontation, the man is heard making several threatening statements towards the women.
Among the remarks captured on the recording are: “I’ll murder you now and walk” and “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.”
He is also heard boasting about his financial status and claiming that he could purchase the restaurant.
“I buy this restaurant. I own it,” he says.
“I’m a wealthy man. You guys are poor ladies.”
The man also directs an insult at one of the women, telling her: “You’re a cheap b***h and you will remain that.”
Vlamo responds
Vlamo has since issued a statement distancing itself from the man and confirming that the incident took place at its establishment.
The restaurant said the individual was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with Vlamo, despite claims made during the confrontation.
“Once management became aware of the incident, immediate action was taken and the individual was removed from the premises,” the restaurant said.
Vlamo said the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women, guests and staff were taken seriously and that it had “zero tolerance” for behaviour that compromises anyone’s safety or experience.
The restaurant also said its immediate concern following the incident was the wellbeing of the women involved.
“We are in contact with them and are committed to supporting them through the appropriate processes following the incident,” it said.
Vlamo added that it would continue to provide cooperation and assistance where required.
The restaurant said the behaviour seen in the video did not represent the values or environment it sought to uphold.
“We remain committed to providing a safe, respectful and welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors,” the statement said.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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