‘Dr’ Matthew Lani dispensed medical advice without any qualifications, but how he’s living in a shelter. Picture: Edited by Se-Anne Rall
Bogus doctor, Matthew Lani, is now living in a shelter and has no phone - that’s why people haven’t seen him on social media.
For months, Lani fooled social media followers into believing that he was a medical doctor and would regularly give medical advice online. Lani further claimed to have conducted various procedures but his "medical career" ground to a halt when it was revealed that he had stolen an intern doctor’s identity.
In a video on TikTok, Lani said he and his mother were living in a shelter in Johannesburg.
"I've been in the shelter for four months. It's challenging but it's better than being out in the street," Lani said.
He said he had to swallow his pride, humble himself and recognise the situation he was in.
Lani made headlines in 2023 after gaining fame for sharing medical advice on TikTok. When people started interrogating his advice and qualifications, Lani claimed to have matriculated at the Cambridge International College and obtained his medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand - these claims were denied by both institutions.
He was arrested in October last year on a charge of impersonating a medical personnel.
At the time, police said he was apprehended by security at the Helen Joseph Hospital. After appearing in court, IOL reported that the charges against Lani had been withdrawn. He went on to claim he merely created the persona for content.
Speaking to Daily Sun, Lani said his arrest and pretending to be a doctor had a negative impact on his mother.
He added that he wanted to clear his name. Lani said he lost his apartment, car and business and now has to "look forward" to his R350 grant.
He maintains that he did nothing wrong and wants to vindicate himself.
IOL News