Vlamo restaurant in Sandton has confirmed that a criminal case has been opened after a video showing a man allegedly threatening women with violence at the establishment went viral on social media.
According to Vlamo management, the restaurant and the women involved formally reported the incident to the South African Police Service (SAPS) on Saturday. Management said it is cooperating with the investigation and will provide relevant footage and information to authorities.
The incident reportedly happened at Vlamo, situated at Sandton Gate, after the women confronted the man about entering the ladies’ powder room.
In the footage circulated online, the man can be heard making threats including, “I could put a bullet in you now” and “I will murder you now and walk.”
The women were also seen recording the confrontation.
Vlamo distances itself from man
Vlamo has moved to clarify that the man seen in the footage is not connected to the restaurant as an owner, employee or manager.
“Any suggestion that this individual is the owner is incorrect,” management said.
The restaurant said the man was removed from the premises after management became aware of what had happened.
Vlamo added that it takes the “safety, dignity and wellbeing of women as well as other guests and our team extremely seriously”.
The restaurant also said it has “zero tolerance for behaviour that compromises the safety or experience of anyone within the establishment”.
Management has confirmed that visible security personnel will now be present at the venue as an additional safety measure.
Who is behind Vlamo?
Vlamo is a premium restaurant in Sandton created by restaurateur Mun Manal, who is also behind Bryanston restaurant Ukko.
The restaurant forms part of Manal’s mythology-inspired culinary concept, with Vlamo drawing its name from the Goddess of Water. The venue was designed as an elevated dining destination, with a Mediterranean-inspired menu featuring pasta, seafood and charcoal-grilled dishes.
The restaurant is located at 25 Minerva Avenue in Glenadrienne, Sandton.
Authorities urge victims to report threats
The incident has also drawn the attention of the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security cluster, which urged the women shown in the footage to formally open criminal cases.
“The victims in these video clips are encouraged to come forward and open criminal cases against the ruffian seen threatening women with being shot and killed,” the cluster said.
Authorities said that opening a case could also enable the Designated Firearms Officer to consider proceedings under Section 102 of the Firearms Control Act. Such proceedings can potentially result in a person being declared unfit to possess a firearm, with firearm licences, competency certificates or permits potentially suspended or cancelled.
The government has stressed that threats of violence should be formally reported so that police can investigate and the criminal justice process can proceed.
Restaurant promises further updates
Vlamo said it would continue cooperating with investigators while respecting the privacy of the women involved.
The restaurant also thanked members of the public and organisations that had offered support following the circulation of the video.
The case comes as South Africa continues to grapple with widespread concerns around violence against women and threats made against women in public and private spaces.
Vlamo said further information would be provided where appropriate as the investigation progresses.
