IPHC leader Michael Sandlana's bail application stalls, faces three-month wait

The bail application of Michael Sandlana, leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), has stalled in the Commercial Crimes Court, and he will have to wait three months for it to be heard.

Sandlana, who was arrested alongside High Court Judge Portia Phahlane last week on corruption charges, returned to court on Tuesday after his matter was postponed for bail consideration.

Judge Phahlane, her son Kagiso, and the church’s spokesperson, Vusi Ndala, were all released on bail last week.

The State, however, is opposing Sandlana’s release after his bodyguards allegedly assaulted police officers during his arrest.

Sandlana is accused of bribing the judge who has been presiding over the IPHC’s lengthy succession battle.

National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana confirmed that Sandlana remains behind bars following the postponement.

"The case against the leader of the International Pentecost Holiness Church, Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, was postponed to 6 March 2026 for further investigations because Sandlana was not ready to proceed with his bail application."