Mchunu says no sight of letter from fake doctor Lani demanding R2m payout over 'unlawful arrest'
JOHANNESBURG - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu says he hasn't had sight of a letter from controversial social media content creator Matthew Lani demanding a R2-million payout for what he says was his unlawful arrest.
Lani was arrested at the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg, in October 2023, following a social media frenzy about his qualifications.
He made headlines for parading as a medical doctor, giving unsolicited medical advice on TikTok.
Wits University dismissed claims he was a graduate at the institution's medical school, while the health department confirmed he hadn't completed matric.
Publication, City Press says a letter of demand dated 21 May has been served by Matthew Lani's lawyers to Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu.
According to the publication, the demand for the money is listed as compensation for damages for his alleged assault and what Lani believes was an unlawful arrest.
The letter was also directed at national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, giving them both 30 days to respond.
Mchunu addressed the reports while on 702's Nguni programme, Siyaxoxa ku-702 .
'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.'
Last year, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decided not to prosecute Lani for impersonating a medical doctor, citing a lack of evidence.
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