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Judge Phahlane Removed from Duties as IPHC Corruption Scandal Unfolds
A turning point for South Africa’s justice system
South Africa woke up to one of the most remarkable moments in its democratic history when Pretoria High Court Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane was placed on special leave. The decision followed her arrest by the Hawks during a sweeping corruption and money-laundering investigation tied to the long-running International Pentecost Holiness Church succession battle.
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya confirmed the move and expressed deep concern, noting that the judiciary is already contending with declining public trust. Her message was sober and direct. Allegations that cut to the heart of judicial integrity cannot be ignored, especially at a time when many South Africans feel uncertain about the strength of state institutions.
The arrest that stunned the legal community
The judge, who was appointed in 2021, appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after being arrested on Tuesday evening alongside her son Kagiso, church leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, and Sandlana’s spokesperson Vusi Ndala. All four face 19 counts of corruption.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, investigators allege that between 2021 and 2022, payments of about R2.4 million were made for the benefit of Judge Phahlane. These payments were allegedly intended to influence her rulings in Sandlana’s civil case linked to leadership claims within the IPHC.
It is widely believed that this is the first time a sitting South African judge has faced criminal charges over alleged misconduct in a matter they presided over.
A church battle that shaped a courtroom storm
The IPHC dispute has simmered since the death of church leader Glayton Modise in 2016. Three factions emerged afterwards. His sons, Tshepiso and Leonard, contested leadership, while Sandlana put forward a claim based on his belief that he is the biological son of the church’s founder, Frederick Modise.
The size of the church, the power its leadership holds, and the financial stakes involved turned the succession fight into a national story. Communities with ties to the church have debated the matter for years, and the arrest of a High Court judge has only intensified the public scrutiny.
Public reaction and concerns about judicial credibility
South Africans took to social platforms within hours of the news breaking. Many expressed disbelief that the matter had reached the upper ranks of the judiciary. Others said the case illustrated the need for greater transparency and oversight in the justice system.
Chief Justice Maya acknowledged these concerns. She noted that while the situation is deeply troubling, it also shows that accountability mechanisms are working. No one is beyond the reach of the law, and the judiciary supports every credible effort to expose wrongdoing.
At the same time, she emphasised the need to protect the presumption of innocence. Judge Phahlane, like any accused person, is entitled to a fair legal process.
Court outcomes and strict conditions
Judge Phahlane was granted bail of R50 000. Her son and Ndala received bail of R10 000 each. Their conditions are tight. They are barred from entering the High Court and from contacting witnesses and must hand over all travel documents by 28 November 2025. They are also prohibited from applying for new travel papers.
The State did not oppose bail for these three because they were not considered flight risks. Sandlana, however, remains in custody. His formal bail application will be heard on 3 December 2025.
The matter against the remaining three accused has been postponed to 6 March 2026 for further investigation. Meanwhile, steps are underway to ensure that cases previously assigned to Judge Phahlane continue without disruption.
The judiciary moves to protect its integrity
Chief Justice Maya said the case highlights the importance of strengthening and speeding up mechanisms for complaints against judicial officers. Ongoing reforms aim to ensure that investigations and disciplinary steps are impartial, efficient, and transparent.
She urged the nation to trust in the resilience of the constitutional order. The rule of law is not weakened when wrongdoing is confronted. It is strengthened when institutions act with clarity and consistency.
The judiciary will cooperate fully with law enforcement and prosecutors while respecting the independence of those processes. Judge Phahlane remains on special leave while suspension proceedings are considered.
What this means for South Africa
Although the legal case is far from over, the ramifications are already felt across the country. For many South Africans, the arrest represents both a crisis and a moment of reckoning. It is a stark reminder that the judiciary must remain above reproach, yet it also affirms that accountability reaches even the highest offices.
The coming months will test not only the individuals involved but also the systems designed to uphold fairness and justice. South Africa will be watching closely.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
