A Crucial Day in Court for a “Tau” and a Judge

All eyes are on the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court today. In a case that has sent shockwaves through both the judicial and religious realms, International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) leader Michael Sandlana is set to argue for his freedom. His bid for bail is the next act in a high-profile drama where faith, finance, and alleged corruption intersect.

Sandlanarevered as “Tau” by his followersstands charged alongside Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane, her son Thato, and church spokesperson Vusi Soli Ndala. Together, they face 19 counts of corruption and money laundering. The core allegation from the National Prosecuting Authority is stark: between 2021 and 2022, about R2.4 million was allegedly funnelled “to and for the benefit” of Judge Phahlane to secure favourable rulings for Sandlana. These rulings pertained to the IPHC’s bitter, long-running succession battle, a dispute that has divided one of South Africa’s largest congregations for nearly a decade.

The Uneven Bail Landscape

When the group last appeared, the court granted bail, but on strikingly different terms. Judge Phahlane was released on R50,000, her son and Ndala on R10,000 each. Sandlana, however, was remanded in custody after the State signalled fierce opposition to his release, forcing a postponement of his application to today.

This discrepancy sets the stage for a tense legal duel. Sandlana’s defence is expected to paint him as a pillar of his community, with deep roots and no incentive to flee. They will argue his leadership of the vast IPHC itself anchors him to the country. The State, however, is poised to counter that the severity of the chargesinvolving substantial sums and the alleged corruption of a sitting judgecreates an overwhelming risk of witness tampering or flight. The implication is that a man who allegedly sought to influence the courts once might try to do so again.

A Congregation Watching and Waiting

The gallery today will be more than just legal observers. It is expected to be filled with devoted IPHC members, for whom Sandlana is not just an accused, but a spiritual figurehead in a protracted factional war. The outcome of this bail application carries weight far beyond the courtroom; it will significantly influence the internal politics and stability of the church itself.

The scandal has already triggered operational changes in the Gauteng Judiciary, which has confirmed that all cases previously under Judge Phahlane’s purview have been reassigned while she completes outstanding work.

As arguments are heard today, the court must balance the presumption of innocence with the State’s duty to ensure a trial’s integrity. Whether “Tau” walks out of court today or remains behind bars will send a powerful signal about the perceived gravity of the allegations and set the tone for one of the most closely watched corruption cases of the year. For his followers and critics alike, the gavel’s sound will resonate through the halls of both justice and faith.