Case against Judge Phahlane, five co-accused postponed for further investigations

The case against Judge Portia Phahlane and five co-accused has been postponed in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after the State requested more time to conduct further investigations.

Prosecutor Advocate Willem Van Zyl told the court that new information has come to light and investigators are currently verifying its authenticity.

Phahlane and the other accused, including her son and the leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, are facing 19 counts of corruption.

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Phahlane is also the subject of an inquiry by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) into her conduct as a judge, a process that could potentially lead to her impeachment.

Accused number one was not present in court on Friday, with his lawyer submitting a sick note on his behalf.

Phahlane, along with four other accused, is out on bail, while co-accused Mahapi Phuti remains in custody.

Van Zyl requested a postponement, saying investigators had come across new evidence and needed time to verify the information. This process will also include interviews with other judges.

However, defence attorney Meiring, who represents accused Michael Sandlana, objected to the request for a further postponement.

“Obviously, the State must have known at the time of the arrest. They cannot just continue investigating ad infinitum.”

Judge Phahlane is currently on special leave and is not allowed to preside over any matters.