Construction company linked to Mudzinganyama facing scrutiny

A construction company tied to businessman Lawrence Mudzinganyama is drawing government scrutiny after a video surfaced showing him allegedly threatening women at a Sandton restaurant. Mudzinganyama, who was previously the executive chairperson and director of Moriel Infrastructure Group, has been arrested and charged with intimidation. His former company is currently under investigation regarding its government contracts and Construction Industry Development Board gradings.

The video depicts Mudzinganyama threatening to shoot and murder women who rejected his advances. Police confirmed that Mudzinganyama turned himself in at Randburg Police Station and was released on a warning to appear in court on October 1, 2026, pending further investigation. Police Commissioner for Policing Lieutenant-General Tebello Mosikili stated that they are collecting as much evidence as possible before going to court.

Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson ordered the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) to investigate allegations that Moriel Infrastructure Group acquired multiple contractor gradings on the same day, questioning whether the company met all requirements for those gradings. CIDB CEO Bongani Dladla emphasized the importance of maintaining integrity in their register and that any action against Moriel must remain within the board's legal mandate.

Gender-based violence activists have expressed concern over Mudzinganyama's remarks, questioning whether the justice system is doing enough to protect potential victims. South African National Road Agency (Sanral) confirmed that it has two contracts with Moriel Infrastructure Group for projects on the N1 and N2 national roads. The Department of Home Affairs has been informed by the SAPS and is conducting necessary investigations and verifying Mudzinganyama's status on its systems before sharing its findings with the SAPS.