The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) arrested four individuals late Tuesday evening. The suspects include a sitting Pretoria High Court judge, her son, the leader of a prominent church, and another unidentified individual, all facing charges of corruption and money laundering.
This operation, led by the Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team in collaboration with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), has exposed an alleged scheme to tamper with a high-stakes civil case.The Allegations at the Heart of the CaseThe arrests stem from a protracted succession dispute within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), one of South Africa’s largest and most influential Pentecostal denominations.
The church has been mired in internal conflict since the death of its longtime leader, Bishop Glayton Modise, in 2018, pitting rival factions against each other in a bitter fight for control of its vast assets and membership.
Court documents and investigations reveal that the main accused—believed to be the church leader—allegedly paid the judge over R2 million in kickbacks to secure a favorable ruling in the ongoing Pretoria High Court proceedings.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale detailed the plot: “It is alleged that a presiding judge received gratification from the main accused in exchange for delivering a favourable judgment in the succession matter.” The probe, which began as a prosecution-led inquiry, uncovered a complex web involving three additional suspects, including the judge’s son, who facilitated the transactions. Investigators traced a money trail exceeding millions of rand, funneled through various channels to obscure the illicit payments.
The IPHC dispute has already cost the church dearly, with factional violence erupting into deadly clashes in 2022 that left several dead and prompted government intervention. This corruption angle adds a new layer of scandal, potentially invalidating prior court decisions and prolonging the leadership vacuum.
Key Players
Judge Portia Phahlane: The 64-year-old Gauteng High Court judge, who has presided over several high-profile cases in 2025—including a double life sentence for child rape and murder, and an upcoming farm murder ruling in 2026—was arrested at her home.26554a Her involvement strikes at the core of judicial integrity, as she was allegedly bought off to sway the IPHC case.
Church Leader (Leonard Modise or Leonard Sandlana): Reports vary slightly, but the primary suspect is a faction leader vying for IPHC control, possibly Leonard Modise (a nephew of the late bishop) or Leonard Sandlana (a contested successor). He is accused of orchestrating the bribes as the “main accused.”Judge’s Son (aged 32): Implicated in handling the logistics of the payments, linking the family directly to the laundering scheme.
Fourth Suspect: Details remain sparse, but described as aged between 32 and 64, possibly a church spokesperson or associate.
Acting National Hawks Head Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi hailed the arrests as a “demonstration of the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels.” He emphasised the role of NPA partnerships in unraveling the scheme, vowing to pursue anyone undermining the rule of law. The suspects are scheduled to appear in the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday morning, November 26, 2025, for formal charges and bail applications.
The investigation remains active, with potential for more arrests as financial forensics continue. The Judicial Service Commission (JSC) is expected to suspend Judge Phahlane pending an inquiry, further scrutinising the bench’s vulnerability to external influence.
Public reaction on X (formerly Twitter) has been swift and outraged, with users decrying the erosion of trust in courts and churches alike. As the IPHC faithful await resolution, this bust serves as a stark reminder: no position of authority is untouchable.
If you’re connected to the IPHC or affected parties, resources like the NPA’s whistleblower hotline (0800 21 21 21) are available for tips.
