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Judge Phahlane Granted Bail; IPHC Leader Held After Hawks’ Graft Bust

The Chief Justice placed her on special leave pending a Hawks probe into an alleged multimillion-rand scheme to sway a Pretoria High Court case.

Overview

  • Four accused — Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane, IPHC leader Michael (Mike) Sandlana, Vusi Ndala and Kagiso Phahlane — were charged with corruption, money laundering and common purpose.
  • Phahlane was granted R50,000 bail, Ndala and Kagiso Phahlane received R10,000 each, and Sandlana remained in custody after not applying for bail.
  • Bail conditions include surrendering passports by Friday, non‑interference with witnesses and investigators, travel restrictions, and an order barring Judge Phahlane from entering Pretoria High Court precincts.
  • The case stems from the IPHC leadership succession dispute, with investigators alleging a money trail of millions paid to influence a judgment in the pending civil matter.
  • The court postponed the matter for the three on bail to March 6 as the Hawks continue their investigation, with more arrests possible and civil society urging the judge’s suspension.