South African TikTok sensation, Dr. Matthew Lani, apprehended by authorities

A popular TikTok personality, Matthew Lani, has been arrested in South Africa after attempting to enter a hospital while claiming to be a doctor. Lani gained a large following on TikTok by sharing medical advice and selling medication online. In an attempt to bypass security, he disguised himself with a surgical mask and stethoscope but was eventually caught by authorities. The Gauteng province Department of Health stated that Lani frequently used the Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg to promote misleading content under the false pretense of being a qualified doctor. Despite having his TikTok account closed, Lani opened another one with over 50,000 followers. His arrest followed a weeks-long manhunt triggered by doubts about his qualifications. Lani asserts that he obtained a medical degree from the University of Witwatersrand, but the institution denies this claim. The Department of Education adds that Lani did not even obtain his school-leaving certificate. Lani also tried to mislead authorities by assuming the identity of a real doctor, Dr. Sanele Zingelwa. Dr. Zingelwa has filed a fraud case against Lani. Lani's arrest is one in a series of similar incidents in South Africa, with 124 people being arrested for impersonating doctors over the past three years, according to the Ministry of Health.