Picture: The leader of IPHC, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana
By REGINALD KANYANE
8 December 2025- The case against the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana (64), was postponed to 6 March 2026, for further investigations because Sandlana was not ready to proceed with his bail application. His three co-accused, a Judge of the High Court of South Africa, Gauteng Division, Pretoria Judge, Portia Phahlane (57), her son Kagiso Phahlane (32) and Vusi Soli Ndala (49), were previously released on bail with stringent conditions.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regional spokesperson in Gauteng, Lumka Mahanjana said all four accused are collectively facing 19 counts of corruption. Mahanjana said it is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, Ndala and Sandlana made payments of about R2.4 million on different occasions to different banking accounts, to and for the benefit of Judge Phahlane, for her to preside over Sandlana’s ongoing civil case at the high court and ultimately rule in his favour.
“Intensive prosecution-led investigations by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team led to the arrest of the four accused persons on 25 and 26 November 2025. Sandala is remanded in custody,” she said.
Picture: A sitting Judge of the North Gauteng High Court, Portia Phahlane
By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
26 November 2025- A sitting Judge of the North Gauteng 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), briefly 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 Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale said the takedown operation stems from serious allegations of corruption involving attempts to influence a civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court. Mogale said 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 6 March 2026,” she said.
Mogale further said the accused persons were given strict bail conditions such as to attend court at the set date. She added that they were also instructed not to interfere with police investigation or witnesses directly or indirectly.
“The accused persons should hand over their passports and all other travel documents no later than 4pm on 28 November 2025 to the Investigating Officer (IO). They are prohibited from applying for travel documents. Accused are cautioned not to commit similar offences whilst on bail.
“Additionally, the judge is prohibited from entering the High court premises of both new and old buildings. 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 the State, wherein the presiding officer, found in favour of the postponement,” said Mogale.
She said the case against Mike Sandlana was postponed for seven days for formal bail application. Mogale said his case will continue on 3 December 2025, for further investigation.
Meanwhile, 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. Nkosi said this demonstrates 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.
The Guardian 