Pretoria High Court Judge And Pastor Arrested In Explosive Hawks Corruption Raid

A sitting Pretoria High Court judge, a well-known church leader, and two additional suspects were arrested on Tuesday night during a Hawks operation linked to allegations of corruption and money laundering.

The suspects, aged between 32 and 64, are expected to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.

The dramatic operation, confirmed by Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, stems from allegations that the judge attempted to influence the outcome of a live civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court.

The judge — appointed to the bench in 2021 — was arrested alongside their son and two co-accused as part of a takedown operation linked to a long-running church succession feud that has gripped the country.

Church Succession War Allegedly At The Heart of the Corruption Plot

According to Mogale, investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that the presiding judge received gratification from the main accused — a high-profile church leader — in exchange for a favourable judgment in the succession battle.

A prosecution-led investigation exposed a money trail worth millions of rand, allegedly exchanged among the accused to secure influence over the High Court ruling.

Investigators say the scheme involved complex money laundering tactics, with financial flows traced across multiple accounts.

Arrest warrants were swiftly issued once the Hawks and prosecutors pieced together the paper trail linking the individuals.

The four suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday.

Hawks & NPA Praised After Judge’s Arrest

Acting National Head of the DPCI, Lieutenant General (Acting) Siphosihle Nkosi, applauded the joint operation:

“These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels. The meticulous work by the Serious Corruption Investigation team reflects the strength of our collective resolve. We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law.”

The Hawks confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with more developments expected.

---

For More, Follow SurgeZirc SA On  Facebook, X,  Instagram and Bluesky