Faith leaders from Wesleyan-Holiness churches call for fair treatment in Mike Sandlana’s corruption case

Various faith-based organisations in Durban have expressed concerns over the treatment of Mike Sandlana, leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church’s (IPHC) Jerusalema faction, amid allegations of corruption and perceived judicial bias. A press conference was held on Friday, with church leaders calling for a fair and equitable application of the law in Sandlana’s case.

The representatives, including prominent church leaders, voiced dissatisfaction with what they describe as unfair treatment of Sandlana compared to a smaller faction of IPHC members from Zuurbekom. This faction, representing less than five per cent of the church’s membership, has reportedly received preferential treatment during legal proceedings.

“We subscribe to the principle of law that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” the leaders stated, clarifying that their appeal is not an attempt to influence the legal outcome against Sandlana. They also raised concerns over the portrayal of the case in media, suggesting that the focus on corruption may be intertwined with ongoing factional disputes for leadership within the church.

Additional concerns were voiced regarding the denial of bail and perceived inconsistencies in judicial decisions. The leaders emphasized that the current legal proceedings appear to be influenced by underlying power struggles rather than focusing solely on the alleged corruption.

Sandlana faces charges of corruption, including allegations of attempting to secure favorable judgments in a succession dispute involving Pretoria High Court Judge Portia Phahlane. The case has drawn significant attention due to its implications for the church’s internal dynamics.

The IPHC, founded in 1962 by Frederick Samuel Modise, has been at the center of controversy following the death of his son, Bishop Glayton Modise, in 2016. Under Modise’s leadership, the church had over 350 branches and more than three million members across Southern Africa.

The complexities of Sandlana’s case have deepened as his lawyer, Advocate Mike Hellens SC, previously indicated that not all necessary facts were gathered for a bail application during court proceedings in November. Following his arrest alongside Phahlane, her son Kagiso, and spokesperson Vusi Ndala, the situation has drawn further scrutiny.

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