Vlamo opens criminal case, adds ‘visible security’ after viral threat video
Vlamo opens criminal case after viral threat video involving a man who was filmed threatening women at a Sandton restaurant, with Vlamo management confirming that the incident has now been formally reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The restaurant said its team and the affected women reported the incident to police at midday on 19 September 2026. According to Vlamo, SAPS issued a case number and the restaurant is cooperating with authorities as the investigation proceeds.
The development follows the circulation of footage showing a man confronting women inside the ladies’ bathroom at Vlamo restaurant at Sandton Gate in Johannesburg.
The video has spread widely across social media and sparked public concern over threats of violence against women.
Vlamo restaurant Sandton confirms police case
Vlamo restaurant Sandton management said it and the affected parties formally reported the incident to SAPS.
The restaurant said it would provide relevant information, footage and assistance required by investigators. Management also said it would continue supporting the affected women while respecting their privacy and dignity.
The opening of the case marks a significant development from the initial response to the viral video, when questions were raised about whether the incident had been formally reported.
Vlamo has now confirmed that the matter is before the police.
According to IOL, SAPS issued a case number after the restaurant and affected women reported the incident.
The police investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and whether any criminal offences were committed.
Viral threat video sparks widespread concern
The viral threat video shows a man confronting women inside the restaurant’s ladies’ bathroom.
The women are not visible in the footage circulating online, but the man’s voice can be heard making threats against them.
Among the statements reported from the footage are threats to murder the women and to shoot them.
The man is also heard claiming that he could buy and own the restaurant and describing himself as wealthy.
The footage has generated significant discussion online, particularly because the confrontation reportedly occurred inside a women’s bathroom.
The incident has also attracted attention from government officials and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster.
The cluster encouraged the affected women to report the matter to police and explained that victims generally need to come forward for police to formally investigate incidents of this nature.
Man threatens women in Sandton restaurant
The allegation that a man threatens women in a restaurant bathroom has become the central issue in the case.
According to reports, the confrontation began after the women told the man that he was not permitted inside the ladies’ powder room.
The video then shows the confrontation escalating, with the man making threats and continuing to speak to the women despite being recorded.
The women reportedly recorded the incident themselves.
The footage has been widely circulated, but eKayNews does not reproduce graphic or threatening material unnecessarily.
The identity of the women has also not been disclosed, respecting their privacy.
The reported threats should be treated as allegations while the criminal investigation takes place. The opening of a case does not itself establish guilt.
Vlamo says man is not owner or employee
Vlamo has also moved to correct claims made by the man during the confrontation.
Restaurant management said the individual seen in the video is not the owner of Vlamo, is not an employee and has no ownership or management role at the establishment.
The clarification is significant because the man is heard in the footage making claims about being wealthy and being able to buy or own the restaurant.
Vlamo said any suggestion that he is the owner is incorrect.
The restaurant had previously said that the man was not affiliated with, employed by or associated with the establishment.
Management also said that once it became aware of the incident, the man was removed from the premises.
Visible security measures planned at Vlamo
Following the incident, visible security measures will be introduced at the restaurant.
Vlamo said visible security personnel will be present on the premises to help maintain a safe environment for guests and employees.
The restaurant has not publicly specified how many security officers will be deployed or whether additional security measures will be introduced.
The decision comes after the viral footage raised questions about the safety of customers and staff inside the establishment.
Vlamo said the safety, dignity and wellbeing of women, guests and employees are taken seriously.
The restaurant also said it has zero tolerance for behaviour that compromises the safety or experience of anyone at the establishment.
SAPS criminal case now under investigation
The SAPS criminal case means the incident can now proceed through the criminal justice process.
Vlamo has indicated that it will cooperate with investigators and provide footage and other relevant information.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster previously said that a formal complaint could also allow the Designated Firearms Officer to consider a Section 102 process under the Firearms Control Act.
Such a process can potentially result in a person being declared unfit to possess a firearm, with firearm licences, competency certificates or permits potentially affected.
However, such consequences depend on the relevant legal process and findings by the authorities. They should not be treated as automatic outcomes from the opening of a criminal case.
Government scrutiny expands beyond the restaurant
The controversy has also resulted in scrutiny of an infrastructure company reportedly linked to the man identified in government statements.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy instructed the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) board to investigate whether the company was lawfully appointed as a contractor and whether it is complying with its contractual obligations.
SANRAL confirmed that it would conduct the investigation.
The development means the fallout from the viral video has extended beyond the restaurant incident itself.
Separately, IOL reported on 20 September that Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson had directed the Construction Industry Development Board to investigate allegations involving the infrastructure company, including questions about its CIDB gradings. These are allegations under investigation and have not been established as wrongdoing.
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Viral video shows man threatening women in Sandton restaurant
What happens next
The immediate focus is now on the SAPS investigation into the incident.
Vlamo has confirmed that the affected parties and the restaurant have formally reported the matter and that a case number has been issued.
The restaurant has also committed to cooperating with authorities and supporting the affected women.
The introduction of visible security measures is expected to form part of Vlamo’s response to concerns about safety at the establishment.
As the investigation continues, authorities will determine what offences, if any, may have been committed and what further action should follow.
The case also highlights the importance of formally reporting threats of violence rather than relying solely on social media exposure.
The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster has stressed that threats of violence should be taken seriously and reported to the authorities.
For Vlamo customers, the restaurant’s latest commitment is that additional visible security will be present while the establishment continues to cooperate with SAPS.
The investigation remains ongoing, and any further developments will depend on information released by police, the restaurant, the affected parties and relevant government authorities.
References from mainstream media
- The Citizen – Vlamo opens criminal case, adds ‘visible security’ after viral threat video — reports the SAPS case, Vlamo’s response and planned security measures. Read The Citizen report
- IOL – Vlamo restaurant opens case after viral video of man threatening women — confirms the formal SAPS case and case number, and reports Vlamo’s clarification that the man is not the restaurant owner or employee. Read the IOL report
- Daily Sun / SNL24 – ‘I’ll murder you now and walk’ – women told — covers the viral footage, threats and Vlamo’s confirmation that the matter was reported to police. Read the SNL24 report
- The Citizen – Sanral instructed to investigate man who threatened women with ‘bullets’ — reports the government response, calls for criminal charges and the SANRAL investigation. Read The Citizen report
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