Pretoria Judge, three others arrested over millions of Rand bribe in church succession battle
A Pretoria High Court judge has been arrested over allegations of taking a bribe worth millions of rand in a long‑running church leadership battle.
Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane was one of four people arrested by the Directorate for Priority Crimes Investigation (Hawks) late Tuesday night.
The arrests follow a major corruption and money‑laundering investigation linked to a succession dispute within the International Pentecost Holiness Church.
According to Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale, the suspects – aged between 32 and 64 – face charges including corruption and money laundering.
They are scheduled to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday morning.
It is the Hawks’ case that Phahlane accepted “gratification”, in effect, bribes, in return for delivering a favourable judgment in the church’s succession case.
“Warrants of arrest were obtained for the identified individuals,” Mogale said.
“The investigation revealed a money trail amounting to millions that allegedly exchanged hands among the accused.”
Acting Hawks head Lieutenant General Siphosihle Nkosi welcomed the arrests.
“These arrests demonstrate the DPCI’s unwavering commitment to tackling corruption at all levels.
“The meticulous work by the Serious Corruption Investigation team, supported by our partners in the National Prosecuting Authority, 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,” he said.
IOL News