Matthew Lani, who made waves across South Africa by posing as a doctor, recently confessed to fabricating his entire medical career. The deception has left Lani and his mother without a home after his story unraveled.
In a revealing interview with Lungelo Mdletshe on Engineer Your Life, Lani discussed the factors that led him into the scandal, though he evaded some direct questions about pretending to be a doctor without any formal qualifications.
“From a young age, I knew I wanted wealth and fame,” Lani admitted.
Lani shared that he initially studied psychology at the University of Johannesburg but left after one year. He then claimed to have enrolled in medical school at Wits University, which he had to leave when his mother, previously employed as a domestic worker, lost her job.
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“My mother’s employers funded my education, but once she lost her job, I couldn’t continue,” he said.
After this setback, Lani moved in with a partner, whom he later described as emotionally and physically abusive. According to Lani, the relationship became toxic when he began relying on his partner for financial support.
The relationship lasted five years, during which Lani claimed his partner’s infidelity led to him contracting HIV.
“He told me he had purposely infected me,” Lani alleged, later explaining he pursued both private prosecution and a civil case, which resulted in his ex being ordered to pay him R800,000 in damages.
When asked about the settlement, Lani admitted he spent the money rather than using it to return to his studies.
Lani then alleged he became an HIV/AIDS clinician and worked under an NGO, focusing on helping people with the diagnosis. He claimed that his online persona, “Dr. Matthew,” was created as part of an educational initiative aimed at making HIV information more relatable and accessible.
“We trademarked the name ‘Dr. Matthew’ to humanize the information around HIV,” he said, explaining that his use of a stethoscope was merely part of the character’s visual identity.
Lani’s TikTok account gained significant attention, with videos showing him in hospital settings. He denied actively impersonating a doctor, noting that his account included a disclaimer stating he was not a licensed physician.
Lani attributed some responsibility to the brands and organizations that collaborated with him, suggesting they failed to verify his credentials.
“When the Department of Health released their statement, I found it absurd. I sent them my disclaimer and had proof of my intent,” he said, explaining that he thought the controversy would blow over.
He also accused the department of damaging his reputation, alleging that he was injured by hospital security guards and then denied medical assistance after refusing to write a confession admitting he was not a doctor.
“They pressured me into signing a document with a fake name and ID. I wasn’t aware it was being recorded,” he claimed.
Following this incident, Lani was arrested, claiming he was deprived of his ARV medication and left without food or water for two days. He argued that there was no evidence he posed as a doctor, and further alleged that a recently completed investigation had its case file go missing.
Reflecting on his current situation, Lani expressed that, with his devices confiscated, he no longer has access to social media and the rush it brought. He also stated he has been cut off from the NGO he previously worked with.
Lani now plans to sue the Department of Health and revealed that a documentary covering his story is in development.