The NPA’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) secured a preservation order on Friday to freeze the luxury Hartbeespoort home of High Court Judge Portia Phahlane (57).
Phahlane, who bought the Xanadu property in 2022, was arrested in November 2025 along with her son, Kagiso Phahlane, and two members of the International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC). More arrests followed. Phahlane and five co-accused are currently before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.
“The property is alleged to have been acquired partly through the proceeds of unlawful activities, including corruption and money laundering,” said NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago.
Phahlane is facing 19 charges of corruption and money laundering linked to a court case over a succession battle within the Pentecost Holiness Church. She allegedly received millions of rand to rule in favour of church faction leader Bhekumzi Mike Sandlana.
“According to the evidence presented to court, a corrupt arrangement was allegedly established between late 2021 and early 2022, involving church faction leader Bhekumzi Mike Sandlana, court interpreter, Morongwa Malope and Judge Phahlane.
It is alleged that meetings took place in Brits, Nigel and Pretoria East, during which cash payments were made and discussions occurred concerning the manipulation and outcome of the pending church leadership litigation,” Kganyago said.
The NPA investigation allegedly found that substantial funds linked to entities associated with the church dispute were channelled towards the acquisition of the Hartbeespoort property registered in Phahlane’s name.
The National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP), Adv Andy Mothibi, said no person was above the law, “particularly those entrusted with positions of authority, integrity, and public confidence.”
