Bongani Matthew Lani, a former social media masquerader who posed as a 24-year-old medical doctor, is taking legal action against the Gauteng Department of Health.
Lani, known for his popular TikTok account, is demanding R9 million in compensation after he was arrested by security personnel at the Helen Joseph Hospital.
In a letter of demand, Lani’s lawyer, Phathutshedzo Owen Sithi of SNT Attorneys, alleges that his client was maliciously and unlawfully arrested and detained by security personnel from Potlako Security. The incident occurred last year when Lani’s true identity was discovered, leading to his removal from the hospital premises.
Sithi argues that the Gauteng Department of Health should be held responsible for the actions of the security personnel, as they were acting on behalf of the department at the time of the arrest.
The letter of demand states that Lani suffered emotional distress, damage to his reputation, and loss of income as a result of the incident.
This case raises important questions about accountability and security measures within the healthcare system. If Lani’s claims are proven to be true, it could indicate a failure in the department’s vetting and monitoring processes, allowing someone without the necessary qualifications to work within a medical facility.
Furthermore, the incident highlights the potential dangers of impersonation and the need for stricter security protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future. Patients and their families place their trust in healthcare professionals, and any breach of that trust can have serious consequences.
The Gauteng Department of Health has not yet publicly responded to Lani’s legal claim. It remains to be seen how they will address the allegations and whether they will dispute the amount of compensation demanded by Lani.
However, it is likely that the department will conduct an internal investigation to determine how Lani was able to gain access to the hospital and work under false pretences. This investigation could lead to changes in their hiring and security procedures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
