Pretoria – Fifty-seven-year-old High Court Judge, Portia Phahlane, has been unmasked as the judiciary official arrested with the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, 64-year-old Mike Sandlana, on suspicion of corruption.
The pair appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes court today, Wednesday, 26 November 2025, with two other suspects in the matter – the current spokesperson for the church, 49-year-old Vusi Ndala, and 32-year-old Kagiso Phahlane, the son of Judge Phahlane.
All four accused were arrested on Tuesday, 25 November 2025, by the Serious Corruption Investigation assisted by the National Intervention Unit of the SA Police Service.
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Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the four were arrested in a takedown operation stemming from serious allegations of corruption involving attempts to influence a civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court.
The matter relates to a long-standing succession dispute in the International Pentecost Holiness Church.
“It is alleged that a presiding judge received gratification from the main accused in exchange for delivering a favourable judgment in the succession matter,” said Colonel Mogale.
An investigation has further uncovered the alleged involvement of three additional suspects in the alleged corruption and money laundering scheme.
“The investigation revealed a money trail amounting to millions, which allegedly exchanged hands amongst the accused,” said Colonel Mogale.
Only three of the four accused were granted bail with conditions.
Judge Phahlane, who faces seven counts related to bribery, was granted bail of R50 000.
Kagiso Phahlane’s bail was set at R10 000, and Ndala’s at R10 000.
The trio’s case was postponed to 6 March 2026.
The bail conditions include:
- The accused are to be remanded into custody until bail is paid.
- Accused to attend court at the set date.
- Accused not to interfere with the police investigation or witnesses directly or indirectly.
- Accused are to hand in and over passports and all other travel documents no later than 16:00 this Friday, 28 November 2025, to the IO.
- They are prohibited from applying for travel documents.
- Accused are cautioned not to commit similar offences whilst on bail.
- Additionally, Accused 4 (the judge) is prohibited from entering the High Court premises of both the new and old buildings.
The accused were warned that any breach of these bail conditions could result in the bail being revoked.
The case against Mike Sandlana was postponed for seven days for his formal bail application.
Allegations are that the church leader’s bodyguards assaulted police officers during his arrest.
His case will continue on 3 December 2025 for further investigation.
Acting National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, said he welcomed the arrests and commended the collaborative effort between the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority.
“This demonstrates the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels,” said Lieutenant General Nkosi.
“The meticulous work by the Serious Corruption Investigation team, supported by our partners in the National Prosecuting Authority, reflects the strength of our collective resolve.
“We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law.”
