Vlamo opens SAPS case after Sandton bathroom threats video

A Sandton restaurant has opened a case with the South African Police Service after footage of a man threatening women inside its bathroom spread across social media, and the business has moved to correct his claim that he owns the place.

Vlamo said its team and the women involved reported the incident to SAPS at midday on Saturday, 19 September 2026, and that a case number was issued. The restaurant said it is cooperating fully with the authorities and that the women will hand over information and footage to assist the investigation.

“The affected parties will provide all relevant information, footage and assistance required to support the investigation and process going forward to bring the perpetrator to justice,” the restaurant said.

What the footage shows

The video, filmed inside the ladies’ bathroom at the Sandton establishment, shows a man confronting the women and making threats. In one part of the footage he is heard saying: “I’ll murder you now and walk.” In another he says: “I’ll put a bullet in all of you.” The women are not visible in the footage circulating online.

The man is also heard claiming he could buy and own the restaurant and describing himself as wealthy. Vlamo has rejected that, stating plainly that the individual shown is not the owner, not an employee, and holds no ownership or management role at the establishment.

“Any suggestion that this individual is the owner is incorrect,” the restaurant said.

In an earlier response, Vlamo said the man was removed from the premises once management became aware of what had happened, and that its first concern was the wellbeing of the women involved.

The state’s response, and the law

Threatening to kill a person is not a matter of opinion or a matter for a restaurant to settle. Intimidation and assault are criminal offences under South African law, and the threats captured on the footage are now before the police, with a case number issued and an investigation under way. Enforcing the law is the work of the state, through SAPS and the National Prosecuting Authority, and it is the proper channel for this complaint.

Vlamo has also said it will put more visible security on the premises. “Going forward, visible security personnel will be present on the premises to further maintain a safe environment for all our guests and staff,” the restaurant said.

The wider picture

The footage drew widespread anger online, in part because the confrontation took place inside a women’s bathroom, and it has landed during a period of heightened public concern about violence against women in the country. Police are separately investigating the deaths of nine women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni since July. That investigation is a separate matter and remains with SAPS.

Vlamo said it will keep supporting the women involved while respecting their privacy and dignity, and will provide further updates as the case moves forward.

“We remain committed to supporting the affected guests and co-operating with the relevant authorities, and we will allow the appropriate processes to take place,” the restaurant said.

The case is now with SAPS, which has not yet announced an arrest or a court date. The next step in the process is the police investigation, and any decision to prosecute will rest with the National Prosecuting Authority.

Source: IOL, Vlamo restaurant opens case after viral video of man threatening women