From bench to court, judge charged with graft linked to church succession battle

HAWKS acting national head Siphosihle Nkosi believes the arrest of Gauteng High Court, Pretoria Judge Portia Phahlane along with her son and two others on corruption related charges demonstrate the elite unit’s unwavering commitment to tackling graft 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.

Phahlane (57), identified as the the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness church (IPHC), along Mike Sandlana (64), the current spokesperson for the church, Vusi Ndala (49) and Kagiso Phahlane (32) appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes on Wednesday. Phahlane was released on R50,000 bail.

In addition to corruption and money laundering, the court charged them with the doctrine of common purpose.

Tuesday’s takedown operation was sparked by serious allegations of corruption involving attempts to influence a civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court.

Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the matter relates to a well-known 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,” she said.

The IPHC, founded by Frederick Modise in the 1960s, became the subject of intense litigation after the death of his son, Glayton Modise, in 2016.

Three factions are vying for the position of IPHC “comforter”: Modise’s sons Tshepiso and Leonard, who are contesting each other, and a third contender, Sandlana, who claims to be Modise’s biological son.

Civil society organisation Judges Matter called on Phahlane to immediately step down from her judicial duties. The group said it was “shocked” by the arrest and urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to advise the president to suspend her under Section 19 of the Judicial Service Commission Act of 1994.

“The allegations against the judge are extremely serious and strike at the heart of a judge’s constitutional duty to adjudicate legal disputes without fear, favour or prejudice,” the organisation said.

Cape Times