Social media influencer to appear in court for impersonating medical doctor

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Social media influencer Matthew Lani is set to appear in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old suspect is facing charges of impersonating a medical doctor.

The TikTok bogus doctor was arrested by the security personnel at Helen Joseph Provincial hospital on Sunday.

A video of his arrest went viral on social media platforms in which he is seen surrounded by a group of security guards trying to restrain him.

Earlier this month, Gauteng department of health opened a criminal case against Lani after he had assumed various pseudo medical roles falsely presenting himself as an employee of the department.

He further fabricated a story about a large number of people having been admitted at the health care facility after taking a particular weight-loss pill.

‘Dr Lani’ trended on social media after the University of Witwatersrand stated that Lani never obtained any medical qualifications from its institution.

ALSO READ | Fake doctor Lani arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital

The department of education later confirmed that Lani never obtained his Grade 12 certificate.

According to the Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the suspect was seen at the hospital on Friday reportedly making videos and hospital staff was informed to be on the lookout for him.

“On Sunday, the suspect was seen in the hospital premises and apprehended by the security guards then handed over to the Brixton police.

“Another case of impersonating was opened at Tembisa where the same suspect is alleged to have utilised the credentials of a practicing doctor to fool other hospital staff.