South Africa-based businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama blames ‘evil spirits’ for Sandton threats, denies being Zimbabwean

Controversial businessman Lawrence Chamurwa Mudzinganyama has blamed “spiritual attack” and a spirit medium for his viral confrontation with women at a Sandton restaurant, while also insisting that he is not Zimbabwean despite South African authorities publicly identifying him as a Zimbabwean national.

In an official statement, Mudzinganyama claimed he was under a trance when he confronted women at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate last week after they rejected his advances.

He said the incident was linked to what he described as a spiritual problem affecting his family.

“I must also say that I was under spiritual attack. The people in my village are working overtime to finish me. My brother, who is in the USA, experienced a similar situation last week and lost his job. This is a spiritual matter which many of you will not understand,” Mudzinganyama said.

He further claimed that his actions and words during the confrontation were caused by a spirit medium.

“It was not me who was speaking, but a spirit medium. That is why I could even speak Zulu, whereas I do not speak Zulu,” he said.

Mudzinganyama was filmed at the restaurant following women into the ladies’ toilet and threatening them after they rejected his advances.

In the video, he is heard saying: “I could put a bullet in you now. I do not play. I will murder you now and walk.”

He has since been arrested and released on warning and is due to appear before the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on October 1.

His company, Moriel Infrastructure Group, has also removed him as Executive Chairman and Director, while his lease at Steyn City has reportedly been terminated.

He also disputed his widely reported Zimbabwean identity, saying he holds South African permanent residency and comes from another SADC country, which he did not name.

“Furthermore, I am not Zimbabwean. I just happen to have Shona names, just as many people have English names but are not British. I hold a South African permanent residence permit. My nationality is from another SADC country, however, it is not Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mudzinganyama did not identify the SADC country he claimed to be a national of.

His assertion comes after South African authorities, including the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster and police, have publicly described him as a Zimbabwean national.

The Mudzinganyama surname is also associated with a prominent family in Mutoko, Zimbabwe, although the existence of the surname in Zimbabwe does not by itself establish an individual’s nationality.

His nationality claim comes amid investigations by South African authorities into his immigration status, firearm licensing and government contracts involving Moriel Infrastructure Group.

Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has also directed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) to investigate how Moriel was awarded contracts reportedly worth more than R170 million.

The restaurant incident has generated widespread public attention in South Africa, particularly amid heightened concern over gender-based violence and threats against women.

Mudzinganyama said he would release a video to provide what he described as further clarification.

“I will release a video in due course to provide further clarity. In the meantime, I kindly ask for your understanding, support and prayers,” he said. *_-Nehanda Radio_*