Gauteng police have confirmed that a social media personality known as ‘Dr’ Matthew Lani has been charged with impersonating a medical practitioner. Lani allegedly gained access to Helen Joseph Hospital by pretending to be a doctor.
Security at the hospital apprehended Lani on Sunday and handed him over to the police. He is expected to appear before the Johannesburg magistrate’s court soon on a charge of impersonating medical personnel.
The Gauteng health department spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, confirmed that Lani was detained by the hospital’s security. Modiba explained that Lani was caught entering the facility through the main entrance while disguised in a hoodie, wearing a surgical mask, and with a stethoscope around his neck.
According to Modiba, Lani attempted to escape after being apprehended. He requested to go to the bathroom but instead tried to flee by jumping through the bathroom window. However, the security guards called for reinforcement and managed to apprehend him again.
It has been revealed that Lani, who presented himself as a “bogus” medical practitioner, falsely claimed to be a University of Witwatersrand alumnus and a staff member at the hospital.
However, these claims have been debunked. The university stated that Lani did not graduate from their institution, and the Health Professions Council of South Africa confirmed that he is not a registered health practitioner.
In a video circulating on social media, Lani can be heard apologising for entering the hospital, but he denies impersonating a doctor. However, the evidence suggests otherwise, and the charges against him reflect the seriousness of the offence.
