IPHC Succession Battle: Church Leader Mhlabeni Sandlana Remains in Custody as Corruption Case Delayed
Viable News Team 
Mhlabeni Sandlana, a senior leader within the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC), will remain behind bars for several more months after his corruption case was postponed in the Pretoria Specialized Commercial Crimes Court.
Sandlana appeared in court on Friday alongside several co-accused, including Portia Phahlane. The group faces allegations linked to a high-profile corruption investigation tied to the ongoing leadership and succession disputes within the church.
The case has drawn national attention as it involves both religious leadership and the judiciary.
Allegations of R2.4 Million Kickback
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sandlana allegedly paid R2.4 million in kickbacks to Judge Phahlane in an attempt to influence the outcome of a legal dispute related to the church’s leadership succession battle.
Prosecutors argue that the payments were intended to sway court proceedings linked to the internal conflict within the IPHC, one of South Africa’s largest independent churches.
Gauteng NPA spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana told the court that investigators recently uncovered new information requiring further examination.
“During investigations, new information came out that the state still needs to follow up on. Hence, we asked for another postponement to follow up that information,” Mahanjana said.
Bail Appeal Previously Rejected
Sandlana has remained in custody since his arrest in November 2025. His attempt to secure release on bail was unsuccessful, and his subsequent appeal was dismissed by the Gauteng Division of the High Court earlier this year.
The court ruled that the 64-year-old church leader had failed to demonstrate that the interests of justice justified granting bail.
As a result, he will remain detained while the investigation continues.
Defence Pushes Back Against Delays
Sandlana’s lawyer, Christo Meiring, challenged the prosecution’s request for further delays, arguing that his client had already spent several months in custody.
He told the court that the state should not be allowed unlimited time to investigate while the accused remains imprisoned.
“The state is entitled to investigate, but it cannot be given a carte blanche to investigate as long as it wants. The accused has been in custody almost four months. He is entitled to a speedy trial,” Meiring argued.
The defence also asked the court to treat the latest postponement as the final delay granted to the prosecution.
Arrest Warrant Issued for Co-Accused
The court also issued a warrant of arrest for another accused individual, Desmond Phuti, after he failed to appear in court.
His legal representative submitted a medical certificate claiming illness as the reason for his absence.
Supporters Gather Outside Court
Outside the courthouse, dozens of Sandlana’s supporters staged a protest calling for his release. Demonstrators held placards and sang hymns, maintaining that the church leader was being treated unfairly.
The matter has now been postponed until 23 July, meaning Sandlana is expected to remain in custody through the upcoming Easter period while investigators continue gathering evidence.
Background: IPHC Leadership Disputes
The International Pentecost Holiness Church has experienced prolonged internal conflict over leadership succession following the death of its longtime spiritual leader in 2016. Rival factions have taken the dispute to court multiple times, resulting in a series of legal battles involving property, governance and authority within the church.
Legal experts say the current corruption case represents one of the most serious developments in the dispute, as it involves allegations of attempts to improperly influence judicial proceedings.
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