Cape Town – 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.
Lani 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 Lani’s lawyers to Mchunu 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
Mchunu 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 through a number of 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.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
