The matter against bogus doctor Matthew Lani was not heard at the Johannesburg Magistrates Court as the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) confirmed it was not placed on the roll.
Matthew, visibly injured and wearing a military green puffer jacket, used crutches as he limped into the court. He had an injury on his lower lip and a plaster on his right arm.
Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the NPA, confirmed that Matthew’s matter was not placed on the court roll. She explained that there are several ongoing investigations that the police need to conclude before a decision can be made.
The NPA is not ready to make a decision because of the information contained in the docket. Mjonondwane stated that the decision will be made public once all investigations are completed.
Matthew was not charged and therefore could not be kept in police custody. The 48-hour mark to appear in court would be effective by Wednesday, but investigations would not be concluded by then.
There is also another pending matter in Tembisa, which requires the police to conclude investigations. Once the docket for that matter is received, both processes will run parallel.
Mjonondwane mentioned that the NPA is having a problem distinguishing between a person who is lying and a person who may have committed an offence.
Misrepresentation requires a statement that could result in actual or potential prejudice, inducing someone to take a certain action to their own potential or actual prejudice. Mjonondwane emphasized that misrepresentation could simply be someone creating content without any intention to deceive.
Dumisani Mabunda, Matthew’s defence lawyer, stated that the state has no prima facie case against the accused. The prosecutors concurred with the defense, resulting in the charges being dropped.
However, possible investigations will continue, and if new developments arise, the charges may be reinstated. Matthew was facing one count of impersonating a doctor.
Matthew was arrested on Sunday evening at Helen Joseph Hospital after being busted by security guards. Outside the court, he declined to comment, expressing his concern that the media was only reporting one side of the story.
Breaking: Matthew Lani coming out of the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court. It’s understood he won’t be appearing @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/XXOFEBiNo3
— Kgaugelo| News Girl (@KgaugeloKgaphol) October 31, 2023
 confirmed that investigations are still ongoing. This blog post provides an update on the case and the reasons behind the decision.){kind=link}