Vlamo opens criminal case, adds ‘visible security’ after viral threat video

A criminal case has been initiated by Vlamo restaurant management after a man was seen threatening women at their establishment on video. The restaurant and affected parties formally reported the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday. Management is fully cooperating with the authorities and will provide all relevant information and footage to support the investigation.

The individual in the video is not the restaurant owner or employee, management confirmed. Any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect. Vlamo has announced that visible security personnel will be present on the premises to ensure the safety of guests and staff. The number of officers and any additional measures will be determined later.

Management expressed gratitude for the support received and assured the public that they would provide updates as necessary while respecting the privacy and dignity of those affected. The incident follows a previous report by The Citizen, where the man can be heard threatening to "put a bullet in" the women after they informed him he was not allowed in the ladies' powder room.

The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster had encouraged the women to file criminal cases, noting that police action typically requires a complainant. Such a case could also enable the Designated Firearms Officer to initiate a Section 102 procedure under the Firearms Control Act, potentially leading to the man being deemed unfit to possess a firearm and having any licenses, competency certificates or permits suspended or cancelled.