Judge Phahlane out on bail while Sandlana’s release denied

A JUDGE entered the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria yesterday, but not to preside over a case but as an accused in a case of corruption and money laundering.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane and her son, Kagiso Phahlane, were released on bail, while church leader Michael Sandlana remained behind bars. The case, mired in bribery, longstanding fraud allegations, and claims of intimidation, continues to grip both the judiciary and the religious community.

Phahlane was granted R50 000 bail, while Kagiso Phahlane and co-accused Vusi Ndala were released on smaller amounts after the State indicated it would not oppose their applications. Sandlana, however, failed to secure bail.

Prosecutors argued that he posed a high risk, citing not only the gravity of corruption and money-laundering charges but also the reputation of his personal security detail, which has previously been linked to intimidation and threats against witnesses.

Central to the case are allegations that Sandlana paid more than R2 million in bribes to Judge Phahlane to secure rulings favourable to his faction in the bitter leadership battle within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC).