The National Prosecuting Authority has obtained a preservation order on a luxury property linked to Judge Portia Phahlane, who faces corruption charges related to alleged manipulation of church leadership litigation.
The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured the order from the High Court in Pretoria, freezing a property at Hartbeespoort valued at approximately R6 million. The residence, purchased in 2022, is alleged to have been acquired partly through proceeds of corruption and money laundering.
The preservation order prohibits any sale or transfer of the property and places it under the control of a curator bonis until forfeiture proceedings are finalised. Anyone with knowledge of the order who attempts to deal with the property would be in contempt of court.
Six accused currently face charges before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria, including Phahlane. The case centres on allegations that a corrupt arrangement was established between late 2021 and early 2022.
According to evidence presented to court, the arrangement involved church faction leader Bhekumzi Mike Sandlana, court interpreter Morongwa Malope, and Phahlane. Investigators from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) allege that meetings took place in Brits, Nigel, and Pretoria East, during which cash payments were made and discussions occurred about manipulating the outcome of pending church leadership litigation.
The Hawks investigation alleges that substantial funds linked to entities associated with the church dispute were channelled towards acquiring the Hartbeespoort property, which is registered in Judge Phahlane’s name. Evidence before the court includes financial records, electronic tracking data, sworn statements, and documentary material.
The NPA contends that the property constitutes proceeds of unlawful activities arising from corruption-related offences and was used in money laundering activities.
National Director of Public Prosecutions Adv Andy Mothibi said no person is above the law, particularly those entrusted with positions of authority, integrity, and public confidence.
“The justice system depends fundamentally on public trust. Judges, court officials, prosecutors, law enforcement officials and all those within the justice cluster carry a heightened responsibility to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law,” Mothibi said.
He added that the NPA has a constitutional duty to act decisively where credible evidence points to corruption within institutions responsible for administering justice.
Mothibi expressed concern about allegations that individuals regarded by communities as sources of spiritual guidance and moral leadership may have participated in corrupt conduct intended to influence judicial processes.
“The credibility of both public institutions and social institutions is severely undermined when corruption infiltrates structures that society relies upon for justice, integrity and moral leadership,” he said.
The NPA indicated that corruption is sustained by networks of facilitators, intermediaries, beneficiaries, and enablers who contribute to the commission and concealment of criminal conduct. Further proceedings may follow against additional persons alleged to have facilitated, benefited from, or participated in the unlawful activities under investigation.
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