A High Court judge, the head of a major Pentecostal church and two associates appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, facing 19 counts of corruption and a R2.4 million bribery scheme. Picture Credits: The National Prosecuting Authority of South Africa
By Duncan Mnisi
Pretoria, South Africa – A High Court judge, a prominent church leader and two other men appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday in connection with a R2.4 million bribery and corruption scheme.
Judge Portia Phahlane (57) of the Gauteng High Court, her son Kagiso Phahlane (32), International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64), and businessman Vusi Soli Ndala (49) face 19 counts of corruption and money-laundering.
According to prosecutors, between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana allegedly channelled around R2.4 million through several accounts linked to or benefiting Judge Phahlane.
Investigators claim the payments were intended to influence her handling of a civil matter involving Sandlana, allegedly to secure a favourable judgment.
The arrests followed a detailed investigation by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation Unit, which applied for warrants after tracing what they described as a “money trail amounting to millions”, according to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale.
Judge Phahlane was granted R50 000 bail, while Kagiso Phahlane and Ndala were each granted R10 000 bail. All three must hand in their passports by 28 November 2025, are prohibited from applying for new travel documents, and may not contact any witnesses or interfere with the investigation.
The court also ordered Judge Phahlane not to enter any High Court building until further notice.
The state did not oppose bail for the judge, her son or Ndala, confirming that all three had verified addresses and posed no flight risk.
However, prosecutors will oppose bail for Sandlana, whose case has been postponed to 3 December 2025 for a formal bail application. He remains in custody.
The remaining matters were postponed to 6 March 2026 for further investigation.
Civil-society organisation Judges Matter called for Judge Phahlane’s immediate suspension, saying the allegations “strike at the heart of judicial integrity” and require urgent intervention from the Judicial Service Commission.
The case has attracted national attention due to the involvement of both a senior judicial officer and a high-profile church figure, against the backdrop of ongoing legal and leadership conflicts within the IPHC.
If convicted, the accused face lengthy prison sentences, and Judge Phahlane could be removed from the bench.
Further developments are expected when the matter returns to court on 6 March 2026.
