A TikTok celebrity, Matthew Lani.
A TikTok celebrity who faced accusations of impersonating a doctor has been set free.
Matthew Lani from South Africa had amassed a substantial following by dispensing medical guidance and promoting medications through his online presence. His detention occurred on a Sunday when he attempted to enter a hospital while donning a surgical mask and stethoscope.
Nevertheless, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Tuesday that it lacked the necessary evidence to press charges against Mr. Lani.
According to Phindi Mjonondwane, the NPA’s spokesperson, there was no substantiated connection between Mr. Lani and the alleged crimes of doctor impersonation or misrepresentation.
Mr. Lani’s situation does not imply complete exoneration. Ms. Mjonondwane clarified that the NPA has initiated additional inquiries, and it will make a determination on whether or not to initiate criminal proceedings against the accused after receiving the results.
The Gauteng province’s health department stated that Mr. Lani frequently employed Johannesburg’s Helen Joseph Hospital as a backdrop to produce deceptive content while pretending to be a certified doctor.
Nonetheless, on Tuesday, Mr. Lani’s attorney informed the media outside the Johannesburg magistrates’ court that his client’s actions were primarily for entertainment purposes.
“There is no complainant here that says he actually consulted as a doctor… so as a result there is no case against him,” he said.
Mr. Lani boasted an impressive following of nearly 300,000 TikTok users prior to the closure of his account. Subsequently, he established a new account, amassing over 50,000 followers.
His arrest came after a lengthy search following doubts raised about his qualifications. Mr. Lani had claimed to hold a medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, a statement the institution refuted. Furthermore, the Department of Education indicated that Mr. Lani lacked even a school-leaving certificate.
In an attempt to mislead authorities, he identified himself as Dr. Sanele Zingelwa, a second-year medical intern at the Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital. Dr. Zingelwe has lodged a fraud complaint against Mr. Lani.
Mr. Lani is the most recent individual to face arrest on charges of posing as a doctor in South Africa. According to the Ministry of Health, there have been approximately 124 such arrests in the past three years.