JOHANNESBURG – The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has launched an urgent investigation into serious allegations that Matthew Lani, known as the fake TikTok doctor, was denied access to health facilities for essential medical care.
Lani, who is HIV positive, recently posted a video on social media claiming that he was barred entry to a local clinic by security guards when he went to collect his antiretroviral (ARV) pills.
Lani has accused the Gauteng Health Department of instructing security guards to prevent him from accessing any of their healthcare facilities.
In response, the department denies issuing such directives, despite recent legal conflicts with Lani.
Matthew Lani case serious
The Human Rights Commission in Gauteng is treating the matter seriously, emphasizing Lani’s right to medical care regardless of any alleged crimes.
Zamantungwa Mbeki, the Manager for the Human Rights Commission in Gauteng, stated, “It is a serious complaint, and I don’t think we should take it under the cloud about who brought the complaint to the commission, any person can bring a complaint to the commission, and we need to investigate it thoroughly.”
In October, the Gauteng Health Department filed a criminal case against Lani for impersonating a medical professional after he was found at Helen Joseph hospital with a stethoscope.
Despite these legal issues, Lani’s entitlement to medical care is considered a separate matter.
The health department has pledged its cooperation with the SAHRC’s investigation.
The case highlights the complex intersection of legal concerns and the right to healthcare, prompting a thorough examination by the human rights body.
