The Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court has denied bail to Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, a senior figure linked to a faction within the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC), in a corruption case that has intensified scrutiny on both church leadership battles and the justice system.

Sandlana is among four accused facing 19 counts of corruption, linked to allegations that payments were made to benefit Gauteng High Court Judge Portia Phahlane in an attempt to influence rulings connected to the IPHC succession dispute.

Why the court refused bail

In her ruling, Magistrate Nicca Setshoga found Sandlana did not meet the legal threshold to show that his release would be in the interests of justice. The court cited several red flags, including:

High risk of evading trial, with the magistrate explicitly describing him as a likely flight risk.

Credibility concerns, after the court found he had presented false evidence during bail proceedings.

Disregard for legal processes, including criticism of an urgent High Court application that the magistrate viewed as part of a troubling pattern of conduct.

Threat allegations, with the court noting reports that some individuals had allegedly been threatened.

The postponement date

The matter has been postponed to 6 March 2026 for further investigation, and Sandlana is expected to appear again with his co accused on that date.

What the state and Hawks say

Following the ruling, Hawks representatives welcomed the outcome, saying investigators anticipated complications around the bail bid and worked to ensure opposition to bail was properly placed before court.

Why this case is drawing national attention

The allegations land in the middle of a long running IPHC leadership dispute, a conflict that has repeatedly spilled into the courts and divided congregations across factions.

If the state’s case proceeds as outlined, the spotlight will remain on two high stakes issues: judicial integrity and the alleged use of influence and money in battles for control of major religious institutions.

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