South African authorities have detained a Pretoria High Court judge in connection with an alleged scheme to influence legal rulings in a high-stakes leadership dispute inside one of the country’s most influential religious institutions. Judge Portia Phahlane was arrested late Tuesday night along with three other individuals — including her son — during a targeted operation by the Hawks, South Africa’s elite investigative unit.
According to Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale, investigators traced financial transactions amounting to several million rand that were allegedly exchanged among the suspects. The payments are believed to be linked to attempts to manipulate court outcomes involving the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), a religious organisation with a massive following across Southern Africa.
The IPHC has been embroiled in internal conflict since the 2016 death of its leader, Glayton Modise. His passing triggered a fierce succession struggle involving his sons and senior church members, leading to the formation of rival factions. The dispute has spilled into the courts multiple times, with both sides seeking legal recognition as the rightful leadership of a church that controls substantial assets, properties, and financial resources.
Authorities claim that Judge Phahlane accepted bribes intended to sway judicial decisions in favour of one faction, a development that raises serious concerns about judicial independence and potential interference in high-profile religious disputes. The leadership conflict has already contributed to years of instability within the IPHC, including reported episodes of violence, disruptions at church properties, and an increasing number of court applications by competing groups.
The latest arrests represent one of the most significant breakthroughs in the Hawks’ ongoing investigations into corruption and money laundering linked to the case. Officials say further arrests and charges may follow as additional financial records and communications are examined.
All four suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, where they will face charges related to corruption and financial misconduct.
Source:Africa Publicity
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