JOHANNESBURG - The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has frozen disgraced Judge Portia Phahlane’s R6-million property.
Through its Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU), the NPA has secured a preservation order on her luxury Hartbeespoort home.
Phahlane was arrested in November 2025 alongside her son Kagiso, International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) leader Michael Sandlana, and the church’s spokesperson.
READ: EXCLUSIVE | Whistleblower claims IPHC's Sandlana is criminal kingpin
It is alleged that Phahlane accepted R2 million in bribes to rule in Sandlana’s favour in the IPHC succession battle.
According to the NPA, a corrupt arrangement was allegedly made between 2021 and 2022 between Sandlana, court interpreter Morongwa Malope, and Phahlane.
Meetings reportedly took place in Brits, Nigel and Pretoria East, where cash payments were allegedly exchanged.
During this period, discussions were held regarding the manipulation of the outcome of the church leadership litigation.
The NPA says its investigation found that a significant portion of the money paid to Phahlane was used to acquire the Hartbeespoort property registered in her name.
"No person is above the law," says National Director of Public Prosecutions, Adv. Andy Mothibi.
"Particularly those entrusted with positions of authority, integrity, and public confidence," he adds.
The IPHC was founded in 1962 by former ZCC minister Frederick S. Modise. After his death in 1998, his son, Glayton M. Modise, took over.
The younger Modise died in 2016, triggering a succession battle between his sons, Leonard and Tshepiso.
After a seven-year dispute, the brothers eventually abandoned their claims to leadership in 2023.
The church subsequently came under Sandlana’s leadership, who also claims to be Modise’s biological son. His leadership is being challenged by the Modise brothers and other church factions.