Judge Phahlane Granted Bail in Church Corruption Case, Sandlana’s Release Denied

Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane and her son, Kagiso Phahlane, were granted bail in a high-stakes corruption case involving the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC). The court proceedings, which took place in Pretoria’s Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, saw the judge and three co-accused released on bail, while church leader Michael Sandlana remained in custody. Phahlane was granted R50 000 bail, and Kagiso Phahlane and co-accused Vusi Ndala were released on smaller amounts after the State indicated it would not oppose their applications. Sandlana, however, failed to secure bail, with prosecutors citing a high risk due to the gravity of corruption and money-laundering charges, as well as the reputation of his personal security detail, which has previously been linked to intimidation and threats against witnesses.

Central to the case are allegations that Sandlana paid more than R2 million in bribes to Judge Phahlane to secure rulings favorable to his faction in the bitter leadership battle within the IPHC. Prosecutors claim some payments were made in cash during secret meetings, while others were allegedly redirected to support a multimillion-rand property Phahlane acquired in 2022, transactions they say constituted corrupt gratification. The case highlights the deepening conflict within the church, which split after the death of its founder’s son in 2016. Three contenders emerged: two sons of the late leader and Sandlana, who claimed to be a biological heir. Winning would grant Sandlana spiritual authority over thousands of followers and control over the church’s assets.

Sandlana’s past is marked by controversy. In 2021, his estranged wife, Magalane Sandlana, discovered she had been erroneously declared dead after her bank card was blocked. A forged death certificate, dated March 2021, bore her name. On 9 April 2021, Sandlana allegedly applied to be executor of her estate using documents purportedly signed by him, attempting to claim her assets—including a Mercedes-Benz and property valued at around R1.5 million. Police later launched a fraud case after Magalane Sandlana’s whereabouts were confirmed.

The case underscores the intersection of religious leadership and legal accountability, with implications for the church’s governance and the integrity of its institutions. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community watches closely, aware of the potential impact on both the church and its members. The pursuit of justice in such matters reflects the biblical call to protect the vulnerable and uphold truth and fairness.

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