Fake Doctor Matthew Lani Sues Gauteng Health Department for R9 Million
Popular TikToker and fake medical doctor Matthew Bongani Lani has taken an unexpected turn in his legal saga. Following his arrest last October for impersonating a doctor, Lani is now suing the Gauteng Department of Health.
Matthew Lani wants the Department of Health to pay him R9 million for being ‘manhandled’ by the security guards at the Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital.
Also read: Another Fake Dr Matthew Lani?: UNISA Denies Granting Doctorate Degree to Malawian Socialite
Matthew Lani Sues Gauteng Health Department
Claiming mistreatment by security guards at Helen Joseph Tertiary Hospital, Lani is seeking a hefty compensation of R9 million. Despite his TikTok account’s closure—once boasting nearly 300,000 followers—the self-proclaimed doctor is adamant about holding the department accountable for what he deems an unjust arrest and detention.
The letter written by Matthew Lani’s lawyers reads,
“It is our instructions that on or about 29 October 2023, our client was maliciously and unlawfully arrested and detained by security personnel of Potlako Security & Cleaning Services stationed at Helen Joseph Hospital whose and ranks are unknown to our client. It is our instructions that our client was wrongfully and maliciously arrested and detained without an arrest warrant at Helen Joseph Hospital.”
His lawyers, representing him from SNT Attorneys, have confirmed their intention to sue the Gauteng Department of Health pending approval from Lani.
Phathutshedzo Owen Sithi, one of Lani’s lawyers, clarified,
“What you have seen is a draft of our letter of demand and we are waiting for our client to approve it so we can serve the department as per his instructions.”
Continued Online Presence: Despite Legal Battles, Lani Gains 50,000 Followers
Despite the setback, Matthew Lani has managed to regain a following of 50,000 on a new TikTok account he created.
Last year, Lani garnered significant media attention when it was uncovered that he lacked the necessary qualifications to be a medical doctor, despite his claims on social media. Prior to his exposure as a fraud, he had been offering medical advice and even granting interviews to the media.