Once known as “Dr Matthew Lani” on TikTok, the infamous social media figure is now making headlines again — but this time, it’s for suing South Africa’s Police Minister for a staggering R2 million. The reason? Lani claims his 2023 arrest for impersonating a doctor was unlawful and destroyed his livelihood.
Lani was arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital after posing as a qualified medical professional — a role he proudly displayed to thousands of followers online. Despite his bold online claims, authorities quickly uncovered his deception, leading to a highly publicized takedown that captivated and enraged many South Africans.
Fast forward to 2025: Lani now says the arrest left him homeless and jobless, pushing him into a shelter and living on a R370 Social Relief of Distress Grant. He believes he was unfairly treated and wants financial restitution for damages caused to his life and reputation.
🎥 From “Doctor” to “Manager”: A Social Media Chameleon
Despite the fall from grace, Lani hasn’t vanished. In fact, he recently resurfaced on TikTok — this time selling ice cream and pretending to be a senior manager at his new hustle. A video shared by user @officialtwinny shows him confidently claiming authority once again, though this time in a very different setting.
The internet, unsurprisingly, had mixed reactions:
- @Me_ThatoYaone: “He must be awarded a hustler of the year award… From being a medical doctor to selling ice cream!”
- @UpittyAfrican: “Omg! He can’t even make it swirl properly. I commend him for the hustle though.”
Lani’s legal team argues that his arrest lacked due process and violated his rights, calling for R2 million in damages from the Minister of Police. Critics, however, remain skeptical, citing the public deception and the risks involved in impersonating a medical professional.
