The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has welcomed the arrest of Pretoria High Court Judge Portia Phahlane, saying the dramatic development proves long-standing concerns about corruption within the judiciary. Judge Phahlane, her son Kagiso Phahlane, International Pentecostal Holiness Church Jerusalem faction leader Michael Sandlana and businessman Vusi Ndala appeared briefly in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday following their arrest on Tuesday night.
State prosecutor Willem van Zyl told the court that a fifth accused had not yet been arrested. The State did not oppose bail for Judge Phahlane, her son or Ndala, and Magistrate Nica Setshogoe granted each of them bail. Phahlane was released on R50,000 bail. Her son, Kagiso, and Ndlala were released on R10,000 bail. Prosecutors asked for a postponement to address Sandlana’s bail application separately. Sandlana did not get bail.
Phahlane is accused of taking bribes of more than R2 million from Sandlana while presiding over the long-running succession battle within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. According to the charges, the money was allegedly paid to influence a ruling in favour of Sandlana’s faction. During her brief bail appearance, Phahlane’s lawyer Piet du Plessis told the court she intends to plead not guilty. He said she was not yet fully informed of all the charges against her and therefore could not respond in detail.
The EFF reacted strongly, calling the arrest a severe blow to public confidence in the courts. The party said the matter reinforces concerns that senior members of the judiciary may be vulnerable to manipulation. EFF national spokesperson Sinawo Thambo said the party had repeatedly warned about what it believes to be increasing risks of judicial capture.
He said the allegations raise questions about all past rulings by Judge Phahlane. “More broadly, the arrest brings the judiciary into disrepute. It vindicates long-standing warnings and fears raised by the EFF and many South Africans about judicial manipulation and corruption. In particular, it raises urgent questions about politically sensitive matters such as the controversial cases surrounding the CR17 documents and the Phala Phala judgement,” Thambo said.
The party called for Judge Phahlane’s immediate suspension pending the outcome of the criminal case. It also demanded a transparent review of all her past judgments to determine whether any were compromised.
Earlier African Times reported that the Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi, welcomed the arrests and praised the cooperation between investigators and the National Prosecuting Authority. Nkosi said the arrests show the Hawks’ commitment to tackling corruption at every level of society. He commended the detailed work of investigators and said the case reflects institutions working together to protect the rule of law and ensure accountability.
The arrests follow an affidavit submitted last week by an associate of Sandlana, who is also facing murder and fraud charges in another matter. The affidavit outlines what it describes as a financial arrangement between Sandlana and Judge Phahlane. It alleges Sandlana paid for security services for the judge valued at more than R3 million over a three-year period. According to court documents seen by African Times, these payments were allegedly routed through Songo Group of Companies Pty Ltd. The documents also describe an alleged conflict of interest involving attorneys who represented Sandlana and Judge Phahlane in separate proceedings. They argue that the financial links created a situation in which the administration of justice could be compromised.
The unfolding case has added momentum to broader claims of misconduct and corruption involving senior officials. KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi previously raised concerns about alleged wrongdoing by some members of the judiciary. Investigations into various claims have been underway since July and are being handled through several processes, including the Madlanga Inquiry, the Nkabinde Inquiry and a Parliament Ad Hoc Committee. Witnesses have flagged serious concerns about the integrity of several institutions.
As the accused prepare for their next court appearance, the EFF says the matter must be handled with full transparency
