Leader of IPHC Jerusalema Faction Arrested Amid High Court Drama

Key Takeaways:

• The leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) Jerusalema faction, Mike Sandlana, has been arrested along with his spokesperson and a high court judge, Portia Phahlane, over allegations of corruption and judicial bias.
• The arrests have blown the lid off a long-standing leadership feud in one of South Africa’s largest churches, which has been ongoing since the death of the church’s head, Glayton Modise, in 2016.
• The Zuurbekom faction of the church has hailed the arrests as validation of its efforts to prove Phahlane’s judicial bias and claims that she had been "captured" with R2m in kickbacks.
• The Jerusalema faction has stood behind Sandlana’s leadership and rejected any attempts to tarnish his character through unsubstantiated allegations.

Introduction to the Leadership Feud
The arrest of Mike Sandlana, leader of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) Jerusalema faction, has brought to light the long-standing leadership feud in one of South Africa’s largest churches. The feud began after the death of the church’s head, Glayton Modise, in 2016, and has since split the millions of congregants and sparked multiple court cases over control of the church’s vast assets and influence. The Zuurbekom faction, led by Leonard, has been at odds with the Jerusalema faction, led by Sandlana, over the rightful leadership of the church.

Allegations of Judicial Bias and Corruption
The Zuurbekom faction has accused Judge Portia Phahlane of judicial bias and corruption, claiming that she had been "captured" with R2m in kickbacks from the Jerusalema faction. The faction’s spokesperson, Abiel Wessie, stated that Phahlane’s behavior in court was rude and arrogant towards the Zuurbekom faction, and that she had slapped them with a punitive order that included costs of approximately R10m. The faction has also submitted an affidavit by former church insider Adv Goodwill Papie Maluleke, which details the trail of misconduct and impropriety by Sandlana, including claims that he was the son of the late leader and had a will that proved his rightful leadership.

The Affidavit of Adv Goodwill Papie Maluleke
The affidavit by Maluleke paints a picture of being caught up in Sandlana’s agenda, including personally intervening in a maintenance dispute against him after an extramarital relationship, and a foiled coup of the Zuurbekom church in July 2020. Maluleke also alleged that Sandlana had hired an nkabi (hitman) to kill him after suspecting that he was the leak in his circle. The affidavit also details payments allegedly made to Judge Phahlane, which undermined her judicial integrity. Maluleke’s testimony has been crucial in exposing the alleged corruption and judicial bias in the case.

Reaction from the Jerusalema Faction
The Jerusalema faction has stood behind Sandlana’s leadership and rejected any attempts to tarnish his character through unsubstantiated allegations. In a statement, the faction called on its members to surround Sandlana with a "fortress of strength and determination" and to reject any external pressures and malicious campaigns against the legitimate leadership of the IPHC. The faction has also asked its members not to be provoked into any unlawful action. The statement is seen as a show of support for Sandlana, despite the serious allegations against him.

The Arrests and Bail Applications
The arrests of Sandlana, Phahlane, and Ndala have sent shockwaves through the church, with the Zuurbekom faction hailing the arrests as a victory in their fight against corruption and judicial bias. Phahlane was granted bail of R50,000, while her son Kagiso and Ndala were granted bail of R10,000 each. Sandlana’s bail application, which was opposed by the prosecution, has been postponed to December 3. The outcome of the bail application will be closely watched, as it will determine whether Sandlana will be released from custody pending his trial.

Conclusion
The arrest of Mike Sandlana and the exposure of the alleged corruption and judicial bias in the IPHC leadership feud have significant implications for the church and its millions of congregants. The case has highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in religious institutions, and the importance of upholding the rule of law and judicial integrity. As the case unfolds, it is likely that more revelations will come to light, and the church will be forced to confront the deep-seated issues that have led to the current crisis. Ultimately, the outcome of the case will determine the future of the IPHC and its leadership, and will have far-reaching consequences for the church and its members.