JOHANNESBURG — A Zimbabwean businessman has been dumped by his company following a disturbing incident at Vlamo restaurant on Friday evening, where footage showed him threatening to shoot a woman.

Moriel Infrastructure Group has severed ties with its Executive Chairman and director, Lawrence Mudzinganyama, with immediate effect.

In a strongly worded statement, the company said Mudzinganyama would no longer represent, speak for or act on behalf of the organisation in any capacity.

The board said the decision was taken in line with its commitment to the highest standards of conduct, accountability and respect, adding that the behaviour captured in the footage was inconsistent with the company’s values.

Moriel also issued a strong condemnation of violence, threats, abuse and intimidation directed at women and vulnerable people.

The company said it recognised the seriousness of gender-based violence in South Africa and remained committed to creating a safe and respectful environment for its employees, stakeholders and the wider community.

The controversy comes at a time when South Africa is confronting a series of brutal killings of women.

In the most recent and disturbing cases, nine women’s bodies were discovered in Ekurhuleni, east of Johannesburg, over a period of about two months.

Among those identified was Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, whose body was found after she disappeared while out for a run.

Her death has become one of the cases fuelling renewed national anger over violence against women.