Pastor Sandlana remains in custody as court rejects bail in R2.4 million bribery case
The court has dismissed the bail appeal of Church leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, who is accused of R2.4 million bribery plot.
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The Pretoria High Court has dismissed the bail appeal of International Pentecost Holiness Church leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana, 64, who is facing 19 counts of corruption linked to an alleged attempt to influence a High Court judge.
The ruling follows Sandlana’s failed bail application in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on December 22, 2025.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Sandlana is accused of paying about R2.4 million into various bank accounts “for the benefit of Judge Phahlane, with the intention that she preside over his ongoing civil matter in the High Court and rule in his favour”.
In his appeal, Sandlana argued that the lower court was wrong to find that the interests of justice did not permit his release.
“Sandlana argued that the magistrate erred in finding that he failed to satisfy the court that the interests of justice permitted his release on bail,” said NPA regional spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana.
His legal team told the court that his possession of multiple identity documents was due to administrative errors and insisted he was not a flight risk.
“They further argued that Sandlana was not a flight risk, citing his church, ownership of multiple properties, and strong ties to South Africa,” Mahanjana said.
State advocates Phumla Dwane and Willem van Zyl opposed the appeal, warning that Sandlana posed a serious risk of fleeing the country.
“They argued that Sandlana posed a flight risk due to his possession of multiple identity documents and his ability to travel outside the country without using a passport,” Mahanjana said.
The State also told the court that Sandlana allegedly committed the current offences while already out on bail in another matter before the Pretoria Magistrates’ Court.
“They further submitted that Sandlana allegedly committed the offences while out on bail in another matter,” Mahanjana said.
The High Court sided with the prosecution.
“The High Court agreed with the State’s submissions and found that Sandlana failed to satisfy the court that his release on bail would be in the interests of justice. Consequently, the bail appeal was dismissed,” Mahanjana said.
Sandlana and his four co-accused are expected back in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on March 6, 2026, as the case continues.
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