Heee Heee Ziyakhala: Gauteng Department of Health opens a criminal case against a ‘fake’ doctor

By: Simon Majadibodu

‘Dr Matthew Lani’ who claims to have obtained a medical degree from Wits University. Photo: Tik Tok 

The Department of Health in Gauteng has opened a criminal case against a man who was trending on social media platforms claiming to be a medical doctor.

The so-called ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ has kept tongues wagging on social media networks after he informed his followers of more than 280 000 on Tik Tok that he obtained a medical degree from Wits University.

'Dr Matthew Lani,' who is well-known on Tik Tok for providing medical advices, has topped the social media trending list after social media users called his claims into doubt.

The so-called ‘Dr Matthew Lani’ who claims to have been registered on the database of HPCSA. Photo: Facebook 

In one of the videos, he posted he can be heard saying that the HPCSA asked him to clarify that "Lani" was not his legal surname but a social media handle.

"Zingelwa is my legal surname. So, don't go to the HPSCA database and put in the ‘Lani’ surname, which I have said before, is not my surname, and when you don't find results, you get excited. You get excited because you want to get me down, you report to the HPCSA, and they call me and confirm my things," he said.

In another video, he stated that he does not have a matric certificate but does have a high school diploma, which he obtained through a scholarship to study at Cambridge International College.

Popular Tik Tok ‘Doctor’ Matthew Lani who is claiming to be a medical doctor. Photo: Facebook 

He mentioned that he skipped three grades namely; Grade 4, 6, and 8, and finished school at the age of 16.

“So, I went to medical school at the age of sixteen.”

Additionally he said, “And, I graduated from Wits Medical School at the age of 21.”

All of his claims prompted social media users to investigate his educational background, which led to the Wits University, the HPCSA and Cambridge International College stepping forward and distancing themselves the claims he made publicly.

On October 09, Wits University received a statement stating that based on the names presented to them and the facts on hand, it cannot find any person who graduated by the name of Matthew Bongani Bingelwa or Sanele Zingelwa in recent years.

“We are requesting “Dr Matthew Lani” to retract any such claims with immediate effect,” reads the statement.

The official statement released by Wits University regarding the claims of popular Tik Tok ‘Doctor’ Matthew Lani. Photo: Facebook / Wits-University of Witwatersrand

Lalela, even HPCSA issued a statement stating that the name of ‘Matthews Zingelwa-Lani’ does not appear in the register of health practitioners.

“Practising whilst not registered with Council is also a criminal offence,” said Christopher Tsatsawe, HPCSA spokesperson.

Tsatsawe further said that a person can be found guilty of an offence and, or conviction liable to fine or imprisonment for a person of not exceeding five years.

The official statement issued by HPCSA responding to the claims made by ‘Dr Matthew Lani.’ Photo: X / @Kello_Lello

Cambridge International College also issued a statement stating that ‘Dr Mathhew Lani’ has never been enrolled at the school and his name does not appear on its official registers.

Cambridge is taking legal action against the ‘fake’ doctor ‘Matthew Lani’.

“In light of these false claims, Cambridge International College is taking immediate action to protect its reputation and the integrity of its academic processes. We are in the process of secking legal counsel to address this matter and will pursue all available avenues to rectify the situation,” reads the statement.

Cambridge International College denies the allegations made by ‘Dr Matthew Lani. Photo: Facebook 

Gauteng Department of Health has opened charges against the popular Tik Tik ‘Doctor’ Matthew Lani for impersonating a doctor and giving out medical advice. 

Motaletale Modiba, the spokesperson of Gauteng Department of Health said that’Lani’ was not only pretending to be employed at Helen Joseph Hospital but had also committed identity theft. 

Gauteng Department of Health has opened a criminal case against the so-called ‘Dr Matthew Lani.’ Photo: X / @GautengHealth

“Further investigations have revealed that Dr Sanlele Zingelwa, the name which the Lani claims is his real name belongs to a second-year medical intern at Tembisa Provisional Tertiary Hospital,” said Modiba.

The official statement issued by the Gauteng Department of  Health. Photo: X / @GautengHealth

The medical intern has opened a case of fraud with the police.