Petoria – The Pretoria High Court has dismissed the bail appeal of International Pentecost Holiness Church leader, 64-year-old Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, who is accused of, among other crimes, bribing a judge.
The appeal followed Sandlana’s unsuccessful bail application, which was dismissed by the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 22 December 2025. Sandlana is facing 19 counts of corruption.
It is alleged that, between 2021 and 2022, Sandlana made payments totalling approximately R2.4 million into various bank accounts for the benefit of Judge Phahlane, with the intention that she preside over his ongoing civil matter in the High Court and rule in his favour.
In his bail appeal, Sandlana argued that the magistrate erred in finding that he failed to satisfy the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail.
His legal team submitted that his possession of multiple identity documents resulted from attempts to correct administrative errors for which he was not responsible.
They further argued that Sandlana was not a flight risk, citing his church, ownership of multiple properties, and strong ties to South Africa.
However, state advocates Phumla Dwane and Willem van Zyl opposed the appeal, arguing that Sandlana posed a flight risk due to his possession of multiple identity documents and his ability to travel outside the country without using a passport.
They further submitted that Sandlana allegedly committed the offences while out on bail in another matter before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
The High Court agreed with the State’s submissions and found that Sandlana failed to satisfy the court that his release on bail would be in the interests of justice.
Consequently, the bail appeal was dismissed.
National Prosecuting Authority Gauteng Spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana said the matter involving Sandlana and his four co-accused will return to the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 6 March 2026.
