Corruption-accused Judge Phahlane, son granted bail; Sandlana hearing postponed

Corruption-accused Judge Portia Phahlane has been granted bail of R50,000 by the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

Judge Portia Phahlane, three others, including her son Kagiso, and the leader of the Jerusalem faction of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Michael Sandlana, were in court following their arrest on Tuesday.

Phahlane is accused of taking bribes of more than R2 million from Sandlana in a matter she was presiding over.

Judge Phahlane has been presiding over the succession battle of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, in which Sandlana is a party to in the Pretoria High Court.

But on Wednesday, Sandlana became her co-accused as she faces corruption and money laundering charges for allegedly taking bribes of over R2 million from him to secure a judgment in his favour.

During her bail application, Phahlane’s lawyer, Piet du Plessis, informed the court that she plans on pleading not guilty to the charges against her.

"As I have not been informed in detail of any of the charges against me, I am not in the position at this stage to respond thereto."

Magistrate Nica Setshogoe granted Phahlane, her son Kagiso, and Vusi Ndala bail after the State did not oppose their release.

Prosecutors have asked for a postponement to address Sandlana’s bail application separately.