Courts & Legal
Pastor Sandlana’s R2.4m bribery bail appeal dismissed by High Court
The legal battle surrounding International Pentecost Holiness Church leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana has taken another decisive turn. The Pretoria High Court has dismissed his bid for bail, meaning the 64-year-old pastor will remain in custody as his corruption case unfolds.
For many South Africans, the development has renewed debate about accountability, power, and influence, particularly when allegations involve senior religious leadership.
The allegations at the centre of the case
Sandlana is facing 19 counts of corruption. According to the National Prosecuting Authority, he allegedly paid around R2.4 million into various bank accounts for the benefit of Judge Phahlane.
The State claims the payments were made with the intention that the judge preside over his ongoing civil matter in the High Court and rule in his favour.
These allegations first surfaced in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where Sandlana’s initial bail application was refused in December 2025. His legal team then took the fight to the High Court, arguing that the lower court had erred.
Defence arguments versus State concerns
In his appeal, Sandlana argued that the magistrate had wrongly concluded that the interests of justice did not allow for his release.
His lawyers told the court that his possession of multiple identity documents was the result of administrative mistakes. They insisted he was not a flight risk, highlighting his leadership role in the church, his ownership of several properties, and his established ties to South Africa.
However, the prosecution saw things differently. State advocates Phumla Dwane and Willem van Zyl opposed the appeal, warning that Sandlana’s access to multiple identity documents raised serious concerns. They argued he could potentially travel without using a passport, increasing the risk of fleeing the country.
The State also informed the court that Sandlana allegedly committed the current offences while already out on bail in another matter before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court. That detail weighed heavily in the State’s opposition.
High Court agrees with prosecution
In the end, the High Court sided with the prosecution. The court found that Sandlana had failed to demonstrate that releasing him on bail would be in the interests of justice. As a result, the appeal was dismissed.
The decision means Sandlana will remain in custody while the case proceeds. He and four co-accused are expected back in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on 6 March 2026.
A broader conversation about influence and justice
Cases involving alleged attempts to influence judicial proceedings often draw strong public interest. In a country where faith institutions play a significant social role, allegations against a prominent church leader inevitably attract attention beyond the courtroom.
The coming months are likely to keep this matter firmly in focus as proceedings continue. For now, the High Court’s position is clear: the interests of justice remain the guiding principle.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Pretoria News
