Zuko Komisa / Pontsho Motsepe

“The state has no prima facie case” – Charges against “TikTok doctor” Dr Matthew Lani dropped.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced on Tuesday, 31 October, that impersonation charges against “Dr Matthew Lani have been withdrawn.
The “TikTok doctor” appeared in the Johannesburg Magistrates Court for the first time since his arrest on Sunday, 29 October.
The Gauteng Health Department verified on Sunday that Lani was apprehended by security guards at the Helen Joseph Hospital when he made an effort to enter.
Lani also shared with Kaya News that he was not a doctor and insisted that the character he portrayed online was purely for “entertainment”.
Legal Expert Mpumelelo Zikalala speaks to Mfundo on Point of View about ‘bogus doctor’ Matthew Lani’s case and helps us unpack why charges against him were dropped.
Listen to the full conversation here:
According to his lawyer Dumisani Mabunda, the state has no prima facie case against the controversial Tik Toker.
“As far we are concerned the state has no prima facie case against the accused. So, we had wise prosecutors who read through the docket and concurred with us that indeed there is no case. As a result, the charges against him have been withdrawn.
“However, there will be possible investigations and if there are any developments on the matter, the matter can be reinstated at a later stage.”
Dumisani Mabunda lawyer for Dr Matthew Lani
BREAKING NEWS: Bogus Dr Mathew Lani is a free man, this after the court found that there is no case as he did not commit any crime.#KayaNews NPM pic.twitter.com/JJHRkx6Hde
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) October 31, 2023
The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Phindi Mjonondwane revealed that the matter was not entered into the court roll:
“NPA can confirm that the matter was not entered in the court roll pending further investigations. There are no charges put against anyone at the moment because there is no evidence that links the suspect to the alleged events.” said Mjonondwane,
Bogus Dr Matthew Lani says the past couple of hours have been difficult for him.
— Kaya 959 News (@KayaNews) October 31, 2023
Lani says he is relived that the case against him has been withdrawn, and he intends to do better.#KayaNews #DrMathew NPM pic.twitter.com/yx375kAFwv
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