GAUTENG. – Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama (40) appeared in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on ten charges relating to an alleged incident at the Sandton restaurant Vlamo in Randburg.
Kaizer Kganyago, NPA spokesperson, says the accused was arrested on 20 September at the Randburg Police Station and initially released on a warning on a charge of intimidation. Following further investigation, including witness statements and video material, additional charges were laid. He now faces three charges of intimidation, three of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, three of crimen injuria and one of fraud.
The charges stem from an alleged incident on 18 September at Vlamo. According to the state, Mudzinganyama entered the women's toilet and demanded to take one of the witnesses away, after which he allegedly threatened three witnesses with violence and death. He is also accused of insulting the complainants with a derogatory name and attacking their dignity in the presence of others. The fraud case relates to the alleged false representation that he is the owner of Vlamo restaurant.
The state applied that his release on a warning be reconsidered and that bail be imposed. The court released him on R15 000 bail. He must report weekly at the Randburg Police Station, may not interfere with witnesses or Vlamo employees, must hand over his passport and other travel documents to the investigating officer and may not leave Gauteng.
The matter has been postponed for transfer to the regional court until 15 October. The NPA says it takes allegations of violence, threats and intimidation seriously and remains committed to prosecuting gender-based violence and related crimes.
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
