Businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama barred from state business as Moriel Group is blacklisted

Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama will no longer be able to conduct business with the state following developments involving his company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, after a video showing him allegedly threatening women at a Sandton restaurant sparked widespread scrutiny.

Also see: Lawrence Mudzinganyama issues apology over alleged threats at Sandton restaurant

The company has faced growing scrutiny over its government contracts and construction industry registration following the incident, while authorities have launched investigations into its dealings with the state.

The controversy emerged after footage circulated on social media showing Lawrence allegedly threatening women during an altercation at Vlamo restaurant. He was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the incident, according to SABC News.

Moriel Group faces consequences

Moriel Infrastructure Group has come under scrutiny following the incident involving its former executive chairman and director.

The company announced that it had terminated its association with Lawrence with immediate effect, stating that he would no longer represent or act on behalf of the organisation in any capacity.

The group also condemned threats, abuse and intimidation directed at women, saying the conduct shown in the footage was inconsistent with its values.

The developments have also drawn attention to the company’s public-sector contracts and its compliance with requirements for operating in South Africa’s construction industry.

[BREAKING NEWS] Zimbabwean businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama, charged with threatening women in Sandton, will no longer work with the state. His company, Moriel Group, is now blacklisted.

#Newzroom405 https://t.co/XrCE7YYsWM

— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) October 27, 2026

Also see: Mzwakhe Mbuli weighs in on South Africa’s GBV crisis

Government investigates state contracts

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to investigate whether Moriel Infrastructure Group had been lawfully appointed and whether it was meeting its contractual obligations.

SANRAL confirmed that it had two contracts with the company involving projects on the N1 and N2 national roads. The agency also said it was consulting its legal advisers regarding possible action against the company.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson directed the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group had obtained multiple contractor gradings on the same day and whether it met the requirements.

The gradings determine the value of public-sector construction projects for which a contractor may tender. The investigation is intended to establish whether the company complied with the relevant requirements.

Lawrence Mudzinganyama faces criminal charges

The businessman was arrested after the video of the Sandton restaurant incident circulated online. Police confirmed that he had been charged with intimidation and released on warning while investigations continued.

He was subsequently granted R15,000 bail and faced ten charges, including fraud, intimidation and crimen injuria, according to eNCA‘s report on 1 October 2026. The allegations remain subject to the legal process.