A letter apparently sent to the SAPS demanding R2m in compensation for the “unlawful arrest” of TikTok doctor Matthew Lani in 2023 has not been seen by Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, but he would “deal with it when it lands on his desk”.
Lani, who was arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg in October 2023 after a social media frenzy about his qualifications, made headlines for masquerading as a doctor and dishing out “medical” advice on TikTok.
However, Wits University denied that he was a graduate at the institution’s medical school, while it was also confirmed he hadn’t completed matric, reports EWN.
Last week, City Press reported that a letter of demand dated 21 May had been served by Lani’s lawyers to Mchunu in which he requested R2m compensation for damages for his alleged assault and for what he called an unlawful arrest.
The letter was also copied to National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola – and gave them both 30 days to respond.
On 702’s Nguni programme, Siyaxoxa ku-702, Mchunu said although he had not seen the letter, “it could have arrived at my office and been referred”.
“It has to go through … internal processes, including being submitted to the legal department, before it arrives in my hands. It may be that the office has received it. I will deal with it once it has landed on my desk.”
Last year, the National Prosecuting Authority decided not to prosecute Lani for impersonating a medical doctor, citing a lack of evidence.
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
How many more Matthew Lanis are dishing out fake medical advice?
HRC defends TikTok ‘Dr Lani’ over ARVs access
TikTok ‘doctor’ a free man after charges dropped