Johannesburg – TikTok doctor Mathew Lani, who was arrested at Helen Joseph Hospital when he tried to escape through a toilet window, is off the hook.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) on Tuesday said it has “decided not to enrol the case against the suspect who was apprehended at the Helen Joseph Hospital on allegations of impersonating a doctor and/or misrepresentation, as there is currently no evidence to sustain the charge or link the suspect to the alleged offence”.
NPA Regional Spokesperson-Gauteng Local Division added: “We have instructed the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) to conduct certain investigations and once complied with, the docket will be brought back to the NPA for a decision on whether or not criminal proceedings should be instituted against the suspect.”
Earlier on Tuesday, the “TikTok doctor” made his first appearance in the Johannesburg Magistrate’s Court, where he denied any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health said it has, “noted the outcome of the court proceedings today in the so-called ‘Dr.’ Matthew Lani matter”.
The department said it further notes that the NPA has indicated that investigations continue around this matter.
“And as such, the department is not in a position to fully comment on the case.”
