Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he has not yet seen a letter of demand from social media personality Matthew Lani, who is seeking R2 million in compensation for what he claims was his unlawful arrest and assault.
Matthew was arrested in October 2023 at Helen Joseph Hospital after posing as a medical doctor on TikTok. Investigations revealed he had not completed matric and had no medical qualifications, despite his claims.
According to City Press, a letter dated 21 May was reportedly sent by Matthew’s lawyers to Senzo and national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, giving them 30 days to respond.
Famous internet ‘doctor’ Matthew Lani demands R2 million for unlawful arrest https://t.co/hKiFEGGXDD
— Khaya Sithole (@CoruscaKhaya) May 26, 2025
Senzo said the letter might still be going through internal processes, EWN reported on Monday.
“It may be that the letter has arrived at my office and has been referred. It has to go through several 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,” the report quoted the minister as saying.
The NPA previously declined to prosecute Lani due to insufficient evidence, it said.
Matthew who also had a multi-vitamin supplements business, rose to TikTok fame when he introduced himself as one of the youngest doctors in Mzansi. He also shared that he had gone into medicine at the age of 16 after skipping grade four and grade eight due to his intelligent nature.
First published by African Insider
Compiled by Betha Madhomu
