By Staff Reporter
PRETORIA — Michael Sandlana, leader of the Jerusalem faction of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), will remain in custody until March 2026 as his corruption case continues to unfold.
Sandlana, who was arrested alongside co-accused Pretoria High Court Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane, her son Kagiso, and two others, was denied bail on Wednesday after his legal team requested more time to prepare their application.
His lawyer, Advocate Mike Hellens SC, told the court they had not gathered all the information needed to proceed with a formal bid for bail.
The 64-year-old leader is facing serious corruption and money-laundering charges linked to allegations that he bribed Judge Phahlane with more than R2 million in exchange for favourable rulings in the long-running leadership dispute within the IPHC.
Prosecutors argued that Sandlana posed a significant risk to the integrity of the investigation, citing concerns over witness intimidation linked to his security detail.
Judge Phahlane was granted R50 000 bail, while Kagiso Phahlane and co-accused Vusi Ndala were each released on smaller bail amounts after the State chose not to oppose their applications.
According to the State, the alleged bribes were paid both in cash during secret meetings and through financial contributions toward a multimillion-rand property purchased by Judge Phahlane in 2022. Prosecutors say these payments were intended to influence judicial decisions in the high-stakes battle for control of the church.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed that the suspects, aged between 32 and 64, face charges of corruption and money laundering following a lengthy investigation into attempts to manipulate court processes.
The leadership battle within the IPHC dates back to 2016 after the death of the founder’s son. Sandlana claimed to be the rightful heir, sparking a fierce dispute involving church leaders, family members, and rival factions. The conflict carries significant implications for control of large church assets and influence over thousands of congregants.
Sandlana’s name has been associated with controversy before. In 2021, his estranged wife, Magalane Sandlana, discovered she had been falsely declared dead after her bank card was unexpectedly blocked. A fraudulent death certificate had been issued in her name, and Sandlana allegedly attempted to appoint himself executor of her estate. He denied wrongdoing, insisting he only sought clarity about his marital status.
Civil society group Judges Matter has since called for the immediate suspension of Judge Phahlane, arguing that her continued presence on the bench threatens public confidence in the judiciary. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is expected to consider whether to convene a Judicial Conduct Tribunal — a step reserved for the most serious allegations.
Outside court, dozens of IPHC members gathered to support Sandlana, singing and praying as proceedings unfolded.
Meanwhile, IPHC spokesperson Priest Abiel Wessie welcomed the arrests, saying the alleged corrupt relationship between Sandlana and Phahlane represents “a breach of trust that has been long overdue for accountability.”
The matter will return to court in March 2026.
