State says Sandlana poses serious risk to the public, bail hearing postponed

The International Pentecostal Holiness Church (IPHC) leader, Mike Sandlana, will remain in custody after his bail application was postponed to 15 December to allow the State to present additional evidence.

Sandlana appeared at the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, facing corruption charges for allegedly bribing a High Court judge.

Sandlana was arrested alongside three others a few weeks ago, but is now the only one still behind bars.

He is accused of paying Judge Portia Phahlane over R2 million to influence the outcome of the IPHC succession case in his favour.

The State revealed statements from at least four witnesses who detailed their interactions with Sandlana.

Among the claims are allegations that he ordered hits on opponents, forged the identities of his estranged wife and the late IPHC leader Ntate Modise, and channelled money to manipulate outcomes.

The state opposes Sandlana’s bail, arguing that he poses a serious risk to public safety.

Prosecutors in the corruption case claim several individuals have reported being threatened by Sandlana.

Beyond the corruption charges, Sandlana is also alleged to have ordered hits on people who opposed him.

The court further heard that he once told his lawyers he wanted an advocate killed.

The court was also told about a tense standoff between police and church members during an attempt to arrest Sandlana late last month, which left at least three officers in hospital.

His arrest could not be executed on the day, leading authorities to subpoena him to hand himself over — after which he was listed as a fugitive.

His lawyer, Advocate Christo Meiring, argued that the State is ambushing his client with testimony unrelated to the original allegations.

This comes as prosecutors today presented fresh accusations against the controversial church leader.

Meanwhile, Sandlana says he is not a flight risk and argues that he voluntarily handed himself over to police.

Sandlana’s lawyer, Advocate Christo Meiring, argued that releasing his client on bail will not endanger the public, noting his strong community ties through his role as a church leader.

Mering maintains that his client is innocent.

He says his client was not involved in the scuffle between his church’s security guards and SAPS members during an earlier arrest attempt.

He added that keeping Sandlana in custody would prejudice him, as congregants are awaiting his leadership in church services.

Meiring says his client is also battling life-threatening medical conditions that require proper treatment and management.

Written by: Odirile Rabalao