By Joe Udo
PRETORIA (CONVERSEER) – The Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based at the Head Office has arrested four suspects, Judge Portia Dipuo Phahle, the leader of a well-known church and two others, aged between 32 and 64, on charges of corruption and money laundering during an operation conducted last night.
The takedown operation stems from serious allegations of corruption involving attempts to influence a civil case currently before the Pretoria High Court. The matter relates to a well-known South African church embroiled in a long-standing succession dispute.
It is alleged that a presiding judge received gratification from the main accused in exchange for delivering a favourable judgment in the succession matter.
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This prosecution-led investigation has further uncovered the involvement of three additional suspects in the alleged corruption and money laundering scheme. As a result, warrants of arrest were obtained for the identified individuals. The investigation revealed a money trail amounting to millions of rand that allegedly exchanged hands among the accused.
The four suspects appeared before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on 26 November 2025.
