Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has expressed grave concern following the arrest of Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane, who has been charged with corruption. The Hawks also arrested International Pentecost Holiness Church leader Michael Sandlana, Judge Phahlane’s son Kagiso Phahlane, and businessman Vusi Ndala. Judge Phahlane was granted bail of R50 000, Kagiso Phahlane received bail of R10 000, and Vusi Ndala was granted bail of R10 000, while Sandlana remains in custody after being denied bail.
In a statement released on Thursday, Chief Justice Maya said the development comes at a difficult time for the Judiciary, as public confidence in the courts has shown signs of decline. “This incident occurs at a time when public confidence in our courts is already under strain,” she said.
She stated that the Judiciary treats any allegation that undermines its integrity with the utmost seriousness. While describing the arrest of a sitting judge as unprecedented and deeply concerning, she said it also demonstrates that accountability mechanisms within the country are active. According to the Chief Justice, the development shows that no individual is beyond the reach of the law.
Chief Justice Maya reiterated the Judiciary’s standing call for anyone with evidence of wrongdoing by judicial officers to report it to the relevant authorities. She stressed that Judge Phahlane remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and must receive a fair legal process.
To maintain continuity in the courts, the Chief Justice announced immediate steps. The Judiciary will cooperate with law enforcement and prosecuting authorities as required by law while respecting the independence of these processes. Measures will also be implemented to prevent disruptions to cases previously allocated to Judge Phahlane.
Judge Phahlane has been placed on special leave with immediate effect, and the process to consider her suspension is underway.
Chief Justice Maya said reforms to judicial conduct mechanisms are progressing to ensure that complaints against judicial officers are handled impartially and swiftly. She called on the public to maintain confidence in the Judiciary and the constitutional system. “The rule of law is not weakened when an individual is held to account. It is strengthened,” she said, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to accountability, independence and the pursuit of justice.
