South African Roads Agency investigates contractor who threatened to “put a bullet in the head” of women at a fancy restaurant

A Zimbabwean businessman and South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) contractor was recorded threatening women at a restaurant in Sandton and is now facing investigations into his contracts.

The video, which circulated on social media, shows Lawrence Mudzinganyama threatening women after they allegedly rejected his advances.

“You can say ‘no’ in a nice, respectful way. I’m a wealthy man. You guys are poor ladies. The owner works for me,” he said during the incident.

“You can record. I’ll put a bullet in all of you in the head. I’m not one of those who play. I’m not those little boys. Don’t ever think you’re more special than me. I’m too wealthy for you guys.”

According to our sister publication, MyBroadband, Mudzinganyama published a statement apologising for the incident and committing to cooperating with law enforcement.

“The aggressive and threatening language I used was unacceptable and unjustifiable, regardless of the circumstances that led to the disagreement,” he said.

“I should have exercised restraint, removed myself from the situation, and sought assistance from the restaurant’s management.”

The Zimbabwean explained that he regretted his actions and recognised the seriousness of his conduct.

The publication also reached out to Mudzinganyama for further comment, but he hadn’t responded by the time of publication.

After the video of the encounter went viral over the past weekend, several government entities and departments have launched investigations into Mudzinganyama’s business activities in South Africa.

Among these are the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure and the Department of Transport, which have already started their investigations into his contracts.

Dean MacPherson, the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, has also directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to probe the gradings of Mudzinganyama’s Moriel Infrastructure Group.

These gradings set the maximum tender value a contractor can bid for on public-sector projects in South Africa.

SANRAL investigates multiple contracts

In a statement, the Roads Agency condemned Mudzinganyama’s actions and confirmed that he is, in fact, one of its contractors.

SANRAL confirmed two contracts between the agency and the Moriel Infrastructure Group on projects on the N1 and N2 national roads, respectively. 

“At a time when our country faces widespread gender-based violence which has resulted in the loss of thousands of women and girls, no South African can allow women to be threatened and insulted with impunity,” said SANRAL’s Acting CEO, Lehlohonolo Memeza. 

“At the request of Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, SANRAL is also investigating whether the Moriel Infrastructure Group was lawfully appointed by the roads agency and whether it is fulfilling its contractual obligations.”

SANRAL confirmed that its investigation has already started, and it is consulting lawyers to act against the Moriel Infrastructure Group for bringing the Roads Agency’s reputation into disrepute. 

It is also reviewing its relevant policies and pro forma tender documents to include a clause which will exclude companies with directors and senior managers who are implicated in gender-based violence. 

“SANRAL also invites all public and private entities in the construction sector to join us in seeking ways to blacklist companies with directors or senior managers who are implicated in gender-based violence in South Africa,” added Memeza.

The Portfolio Committee on Transport and its chairperson, Donald Selamolela, called the incident “unacceptable and regrettable”.

The committee also welcomed Minister Creecy’s instruction to SANRAL to review the contractual commitments associated with the Moriel Infrastructure Group.

“It is unacceptable that this kind of behaviour was brazenly displayed by someone in the civil engineering and construction industry; it is right up there when it comes to alienation of women in our country,” said Selamolela.

“The processes that have been invoked can never be enough sanction. In addition, there needs to be a thorough follow-up on all performance related to this contractor.”