IPHC Urges Madlanga Commission to Hold Sibiya and Sandlana Accountable Over Fraud and Church Succession Disputes

The International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) has called on the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry to hold Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya accountable for alleged interference in investigations related to Bhekumuzi Gilbert Sandlana, the leader of the IPHC Jerusalem faction. Sandlana, who also oversees the Pretoria faction of the church, is currently under multiple investigations for fraud, identity forgery, and alleged interference in church succession matters following the death of the IPHC founder, Bishop Glayton Modise, in 2016.

Sandlana’s claims to leadership of the IPHC were contested by other officials, including Bishop Leonard Modise and Tshepiso Modise, who dispute his assertion of being the biological son of Bishop Modise. Church executives have repeatedly requested DNA verification to confirm Sandlana’s lineage. The dispute has led to internal tensions and ongoing scrutiny of leadership succession within the church.

Documents obtained by investigators reveal that Sandlana submitted a fraudulent death certificate for his wife, Benedicta Sandlana, in April 2021. This certificate, which falsely stated her death, was allegedly used to apply for executorship of her estate and transfer her assets into his name. Benedicta later discovered she was listed as deceased in official government records when attempting to access her bank account.

As a result of the forged death certificate, Sandlana was criminally charged with forgery. Investigators have reported that several church assets, including vehicles, properties, and buses, were transferred to private ownership during this period. These transfers are under review for potential irregularities, including alleged lack of authorization from IPHC leadership. Bank statements and property transfer documents indicate that these transactions were processed under Sandlana’s name or entities linked to him.

The IPHC leadership has expressed concern over the alleged interference by General Sibiya in the investigation into Sandlana’s activities. The church has urged the Madlanga Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in the matter. The situation highlights the complex interplay between personal legal issues and institutional governance within the church.

The case underscores the importance of integrity and accountability in leadership, as emphasized in Proverbs 18:17, which states, “The first to present his case seems right, until another comes forward and questions him.” The IPHC’s call for accountability reflects a commitment to upholding these principles within its own ranks.

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