THE police have confirmed that two cases have been opened against TikTok influencer Matthew Lani.
Gauteng police spokesman Lieutenant Mavela Masondo confirmed to Daily Sun that a case of impersonating a medical practitioner was opened against him.
“Police can confirm that a case of impersonating a medical practitioner was opened at Tembisa and Brixton police stations. Investigation is underway, and no arrests have been made yet,” he said.
He is accused of lying about his qualifications and using another doctor’s name, Dr Sanele Zingelwa.
Matthew has been the trending topic for three days from Monday, 9 October, since people on social media started with the allegations.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa, Wits University, where he claims he studied medicine, and the Department of Health, have all released statements distancing themselves from him.
In his explanation, he said he uses the name Dr Matthew Lani only on social media, and his real name is Dr Sanele Zingelwa.
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Dr Sanele Zingelwa, who is assumed to be the real doctor, released a statement revealing that he opened a case against Matthew at the Tembisa Police Station.
"I've noted with dismay and shock a gentleman who has stolen my identity on the social media platform TikTok recently and has presented himself as a medical doctor in one of the health facilities in Gauteng.
“I've opened a case with the South African Police Service of identity fraud. I hope the bogus doctor will be brought to justice. I'd like to request that the SAPS and the whole justice system to work expeditiously to conclude the matter,” he said.
The Department of Health also opened a case against Matthew at the Brixton Police Station.
“The Gauteng Department of Health (GDOH) today opened a case of impersonating a medical doctor at the Brixton Police Station in Brixton following reports of a so-called 'Dr Matthew Lani' who had assumed various pseudo-medical roles, falsely presenting himself as an employee of the department,” they said via a statement.
On Tuesday, 10 October, Matthew told the Daily Sun that he was struggling mentally because of what was happening.
