FOUR SUSPECTS IN COURT FOR CORRUPTION AND MONEY LAUNDERING
PRETORIA: A sitting Judge of the North Gauteng division of the High court, Portia Phahlane (57), the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness church, Mike Sandlana (64), the current spokesperson for the church, Vusi Ndala (49) and Kagiso Phahlane (32) appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes court today following an operation conducted last night, 25 November 2025 by the Serious Corruption Investigation assisted by the National Intervention unit of the SAPS which resulted in their arrest on charges of corruption and money laundering. The court additionally charged the four with the doctrine of common purpose.
The takedown operation stems from serious allegations of corruption involving attempts to influence a civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court. The matter relates to a well-known South African church embroiled in a long-standing succession dispute.
It is alleged that a presiding judge received gratification from the main accused in exchange for delivering a favourable judgment in the succession matter.
This prosecution led investigation has further uncovered the involvement of three additional suspects in the alleged corruption and money laundering scheme. As a result, warrants of arrest were authorised for the identified individuals. The investigation revealed a money trail amounting to millions which allegedly exchanged hands amongst the accused.
The four have appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 26 November 2025, where Portia Phahlane was granted R50 000 on seven counts, Kagiso Phahlane R10 000 on two counts and five counts on Vusi Ndala with R10 000. The trio’s case was postponed to 06 March 2026.
Normal Bail conditions:
Accused to be remanded into custody until bail is paid.
Accused to attend court at the set date.
Accused not to interfere with police investigation or witnesses directly or indirectly.
Accused are hand in and over passport 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 new and old building.
Breach of bail conditions without cause, the accused’s bail will be revoked and a warrant for their arrests authorised for execution.
An application for postponement was put forward by State wherein the presiding officer, found in favour of the postponement. The case against Mike Sandlana was postponed for seven days for formal bail application. His case will continue on the 03 December 2025 for further investigation.
The Acting National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, welcomed the arrests and commended the collaborative effort between the Hawks and the NPA.
“This demonstrate the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels. 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,” he said.
