Judges Matter Urges Suspension of Judge Portia Phahlane After Hawks Arrest on Corruption Charges
Civil society group Judges Matter has called for the immediate suspension of Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane after her arrest by the Hawks on serious allegations of corruption and money laundering. The 57-year-old judge, arrested late on Tuesday night, 25 November 2025, is accused of taking millions in bribes to sway her rulings in a long-running church leadership fight. This shocking case has put the spotlight on possible wrongdoing in the courts and raised big worries about trust in South Africa’s judges.
Phahlane appeared in court on Wednesday morning with three others, including her son, and was given bail. Judges Matter says the claims are so bad that she should step aside right away to protect the court’s good name. As more details come out, this story shows how corruption can touch even the highest parts of the justice system, and why quick action is needed to keep things fair.
The Arrest: A Late-Night Raid by the Hawks
Portia Phahlane was taken into custody by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, known as the Hawks, in a major operation looking into corruption and money laundering. She was arrested at her home in Gauteng, along with her 32-year-old son. Two others, 64-year-old church leader Michael Sandlana and 50-year-old Vusi Ndala, were also picked up in the same probe.
The Hawks say the arrests come after a deep investigation into claims that Phahlane got paid to fix a court case. Police spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the team found a money trail of millions that changed hands among the group. “These arrests demonstrate the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels,” said acting Hawks head Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi.
This is part of a bigger look into the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) leadership battle, where Phahlane was the judge. The church fight has been going on for years, and now it looks like money might have played a dirty role in her decisions.
Court Appearance: Bail Granted, Case Postponed
On Wednesday morning, 26 November 2025, Phahlane and the others showed up at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. They all face charges of corruption and money laundering. The judge gave Phahlane R20,000 bail, Sandlana and Ndala R10,000 each, and her son R5,000. The case is put off until 23 January 2026 for more checks.
Phahlane looked calm in court but didn’t say much. Her lawyers are fighting the claims, saying she is innocent until proven otherwise. The postponement gives time for the Hawks to build their case, which they say has strong proof from money records and witness stories.
Allegations: Bribes in the IPHC Succession Battle
The claims against Phahlane tie to her role in the IPHC case, a big fight over who leads the church after Bishop Glayton Modise died in 2016. The church has millions of members and lots of money and land, so the battle got nasty. Phahlane started handling the case in 2022.
Prosecutors say she took bribes worth over R2 million from Sandlana, a leader in one group fighting for control. The money came in cash during secret meetings and even helped buy a fancy property in 2022. A court interpreter is said to have set up the link between them.
In 2023, one side in the case asked Phahlane to step down, saying she got bribed. They had a statement from a lawyer saying Sandlana’s team paid her. Phahlane said no and kept the case, but now those old claims look like they might be true.
The IPHC fight is between Modise’s sons and Sandlana, who says he’s the real heir. It’s been in court for years, with big money at stake. This corruption probe could change everything and show if the case was fair.
Judges Matter’s Call for Suspension
Judges Matter, a group that watches over South Africa’s courts, was quick to react. They said the claims are so serious that Phahlane should be suspended right away. “The allegations against the judge are extremely serious and strike at the heart of a judge’s constitutional duty to adjudicate legal disputes without fear, favour or prejudice,” they said in a statement.
They want the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) to tell the President to suspend her under a special law. Alison Tilley from Judges Matter added: “While the judge is innocent until proven guilty, the extreme seriousness of the allegations requires the JSC to act urgently to place the judge on suspension even at this early stage. Any delay would cause irreparable damage to the reputation of the judiciary.”
This would be a rare move, but the group says it’s needed to keep trust in the courts. If she stays on the bench, it could hurt how people see judges.
Phahlane’s Background: A Respected Judge with Big Cases
Portia Phahlane joined the Gauteng High Court in 2021 after a long career in law. She’s handled tough cases, like sentencing Hugo Ferreira to two life terms in April 2025 for a horrible crime. She’s also on the murder trial of Dumisani Phakathi, with a decision coming in February 2026.
Before becoming a judge, Phahlane worked as a magistrate and lawyer, known for her strong stance on crime. But in the IPHC case, she got death threats in 2023, needing bodyguards. Now, her arrest has shocked many who saw her as fair and tough.
She’s 57 and from a simple background, often talking about justice for all. This case could end her career if the claims stick.
Reactions: Shock and Calls for Quick Action
People in law and politics are stunned. Many say if true, it’s a big blow to the courts. “This shakes our trust in judges,” said one lawyer. Others wait for proof, saying she’s innocent until guilty.
Church members from IPHC are split. Some say the case was unfair, others want peace. Political groups like the EFF call for fast probes into all big names.
The Hawks boss, Lt Gen Siphosihle Nkosi, praised the arrests: “We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law.”
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