The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has raised concerns over allegations surrounding infrastructure company Morial Infrastructure Group, amid a separate investigation into the company’s alleged links to a businessman who was filmed making violent threats against women at a Sandton restaurant.
The investigation follows scrutiny surrounding the company’s alleged links to businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzingayima, who recently attracted widespread attention after footage of a confrontation at a Sandton restaurant circulated online.
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to immediately investigate allegations that Morial Infrastructure Group obtained multiple CIDB gradings on the same day.
In statement on Sunday, Macpherson said further allegations suggest that the company may not have met the requirements for the gradings, which were allegedly subsequently used to secure contracts from various spheres of government.
Macpherson has instructed the CIDB to investigate the circumstances surrounding the gradings and report back to him at the earliest opportunity.
The company came under scrutiny following a viral video involving the businessman at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate.
In the footage, the man is heard making threats against women, including statements such as, “I’ll murder you now and walk” and “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.” He is also heard claiming to be wealthy and saying that he could buy the restaurant.
The incident reportedly took place inside the restaurant’s ladies’ bathroom.
Ealrier, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy also directed the board of the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to establish whether the infrastructure company was appointed in accordance with the law and whether it is complying with the terms of its contract.
SANRAL has confirmed that it will conduct the investigation.
Meanwhile, Vlamo subsequently distanced itself from the businessman, saying he was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with the restaurant. The establishment said he was removed from the premises once management became aware of the incident and that it remained committed to the safety and wellbeing of its guests and staff.
The restaurant also confirmed that a formal case has been opened with the South African Police Service following the incident.
The restaurant said its team and the affected women reported the incident to SAPS at midday on September 19, 2026, and that SAPS issued a case number.
Vlamo said it was cooperating fully with the authorities and the women involved will provide relevant information and footage to assist with the investigation.
“The affected parties will provide all relevant information, footage and assistance required to support the investigation and process going forward to bring the perpetrator to justice,” the restaurant said in its latest statement.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
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