Matthew Lani, known for impersonating a medical doctor and giving out medical advice on TikTok has swapped his pretend stethoscope for a gavel. Lani has taken to social media to share his thoughts on the Joshlin Smith trial.
Image: Screenshot
From a TikTok doctor dishing out medical advice to a lawyer commenting on court cases, it seems "Dr" Matthew Lani has swapped "careers".
The three accused in the Joshlin Smith kidnapping case
Image: Mandilakhe Tshwete
The infamous Lani, known for reportedly impersonating and stealing a medical doctor's identity, giving medical advice on social media, and later apologising for it all, has now set his sights on the Joshlin Smith trial.
In a post on TikTok, Lani says he doesn't believe justice will be meted out to the accused.
Joshlin Smith vanished in February last year from her home in Saldanha Bay. Her mother, Kelly Smith faces charges relating to Joshlin's kidnapping. Her co-accused are Jacquen Appollis and Steveno van Rhyn. They have all pleaded not guilty to charges of human trafficking and kidnapping. They have all pleaded not guilty.
"Kelly Smith and those gentlemen are not going to be found guilty. This is why; I've been following this case and I've listened to all the witnesses who have come forward, from the sister to the investigating officer.
"Nobody has so far presented tangible evidence. This is not even circumstantial evidence. This is literally hearsay," Lani states.
Speaking about the investigating officer, Lani claims Sergeant Meyer Milstein's testimony was based on Smith's behaviour on the day she went to the police station and reported Joshlin missing.
"He said the mother was laughing with other officers and making comments. So? Her saying that doesn't mean she knows anything about her child. And we already established she was high as a kite on the day," he says.
Kelly Smith's sister, Mickeyla Daniels.
Image: Armand Hough/ Independent Newspapers
Referring to Mickeyla Daniels, Joshlin's aunt, Lani believes her testimony added nothing new other than what she posted on social media.
Lani said rumours about Joshlin being sold to a sangoma were not substianted by proof.
"Where is the evidence for that? Where are the proof of transactions? Where is all of that? F*k*l," he says.
Lani also goes on to ask where is the proof to back up claims that Joshlin was sold to a sangoma.
"This matter was brought to the court very early and very prematurely. This case is being led by the community and the media and once a criminal matter is being led by the media, you must know this case is not going to go anywhere.
"The community and the media are going based on emotions and the court of law is based on facts. This is why none of those people are shaking. None of those people are piempering (slang for ratting out or telling on) on each other because they see there is no evidence," Lani says.
. Kelly Smith consulting with her legal counsel.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
He adds that when the trio are found not guilty, they are going to sue the state for unlawful arrest, unlawful detainment and malicious prosecution.
"...And they are going to win. Here is South African law, if you bring someone before the court, you better know your story. These prosecutors do not know their story. Haai Shem!"
And it seems his TikTok followers believe him.
"He is telling the truth this is all based on hearsay," wrote @notfound_22
"I agree with you 100%. If you don't have physical evidence you can't find someone guilty," added @Reishan.
"I have to agree with you on this Matthew! This is a hear say trial and there is no hard evidence being presented but he said, she said," wrote @Lauren Arendse-Calve.
There were also those who scoffed at the "Dr's" assessment of the trial.
"From a Dr to a judge," commented @iman.abed.
"You are the last person we are going to listen to. Sorry bro. We'll take our chances by seeing what unveils itself in the days, month and maybe years," said @Chad van Blerk.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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