Overview
- Four suspects — Judge Portia Phahlane, IPHC leader Mike Sandlana, Kagiso Phahlane and Vusi Ndala — were arrested by the Hawks on corruption and money‑laundering charges tied to an alleged bid to sway a civil case.
- The Pretoria Commercial Crimes Court set bail at R50,000 for the judge and R10,000 for her two co‑accused, while Sandlana stayed behind bars pending a formal bail application.
- Bail conditions bar Judge Phahlane from the Pretoria High Court precinct, require the surrender of passports by Friday, and prohibit interference with witnesses.
- The matter arises from the IPHC succession dispute, with investigators alleging a money trail worth millions paid to secure a favourable judgment in the Pretoria High Court.
- Watchdog group Judges Matter urged the JSC to seek Phahlane’s immediate suspension and a Judicial Conduct Tribunal as investigators signal the probe is ongoing with possible further arrests.