JOHANNESBURG - Judge Phahlane has appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria on Wednesday.
She stands accused of accepting a bribe to come to a favourable decision for one of the factions in the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) succession battle.
The church was founded in 1962 by former ZCC minister Frederick S. Modise. After his death in 1998, His son, Glayton M. Modise took over.
READ: IPHC court case | Brothers battle for church inheritance
The younger Modise died in 2016 resulting in a succession battle between his sons, Leonard and Tshepiso.
After a seven year battle, the brothers eventually abandoned their claims to leadership in 2023.
READ: IPHC Court Battle | Brothers fight for church inheritance continues
The church is currently under the leadership of Michael G. Sandlana - who also claimed to be Modise's biological son - who is being challenged by the brothers and other factions in the church.
Phahlane, her son and Sandlana and Vusi Ndala were arrested in Hawks operation on Tuesday night.
READ: IPHC leadership battle | Recusal application dismissed
Investigations revealed a paper trail of money of amounting to millions of rands was allegedly exchanged between Phahalane and Sandlana.
The story is developing.