Judge Phahlane Freed On R50k Bail Amid Multi-Million Church Bribe Scandal

Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane was released on R50,000 bail on Wednesday after she was arrested over allegations that she pocketed millions in bribes linked to the explosive leadership battle inside the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC).

Phahlane, her son, and two other suspects were taken into custody on Tuesday night by the Hawks as part of a major corruption and money-laundering probe gripping the church and the judiciary.

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Judge Phahlane Arrest Linked to IPHC Succession Battle

The four appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday morning. The accused, aged between 32 and 64, face charges ranging from corruption to money laundering.

Phahlane — appointed as a judge in 2021 — is accused of accepting payments in exchange for issuing favourable rulings in the long-running IPHC succession dispute.

The church, founded in the 1960s by Frederick Modise, has been embroiled in fierce litigation since the 2016 death of his son, Glayton Modise.

Three factions are currently vying for control: brothers Tshepiso and Leonard Modise, and a third claimant, Sandlana, who alleges he is Modise’s biological son.

This is believed to be the first time a sitting South African judge faces criminal charges directly tied to a matter they presided over.

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Judiciary Under Fire Amid Corruption Claims

Civil society group Judges Matter has called for Phahlane’s immediate suspension, warning that the allegations strike at the core of judicial integrity.

The organisation urged the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to invoke Section 19 of the Judicial Service Commission Act — an extraordinary measure that would see the Chief Justice appoint a Judicial Conduct Tribunal while the president suspends the judge.

 

Co-ordinator Alison Tilley said the judiciary’s credibility is on the line: “While the judge is innocent until proven guilty, the seriousness of these allegations requires urgent action. Any delay risks irreparable harm to the judiciary’s reputation.”

Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale confirmed investigators had tracked a money trail worth millions allegedly moved among the accused.

Acting Hawks head Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi praised the arrests, saying they highlight the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to rooting out corruption.

“We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law,” Nkosi said.

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