NPA drops case against fake doctor due to lack of evidence
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has decided not to pursue charges against controversial TikTok content creator Matthew Lani, citing insufficient evidence to proceed. The matter, which garnered widespread attention, is now officially closed, according to NPA regional spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane.
Lani made headlines in October last year after allegedly impersonating a medical doctor and recording videos inside hospital corridors.
Security personnel at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg detained him on suspicion of the alleged crime, and he subsequently appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates’ Court.
However, the NPA declined to enroll the case, citing a lack of evidence to sustain charges or link Lani to the alleged impersonation.
Following his initial court appearance, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) was instructed to investigate further and return the docket to the NPA for a decision.
Despite the additional investigation, no actionable evidence emerged. The case has been shelved, leaving Lani free of legal proceedings related to the allegations.
Lani’s actions, which included creating social media content while allegedly posing as a doctor, sparked outrage and raised concerns over security protocols at public health facilities. With the case now closed, questions remain about the accountability of individuals who misuse sensitive environments for online content creation.
NPA drops case against fake doctor due to lack of evidence
