The National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) has moved to seize a luxury Hartbeespoort property worth about R6 million that is allegedly linked to corruption and money laundering.
The Pretoria High Court recently granted a preservation order freezing the property, which was purchased in 2022 and is allegedly partly the proceeds of unlawful activities.
NPA spokesperson Kaizer Kganyago said the order prevents the property from being sold and places it under the control of a curator bonis pending the finalisation of forfeiture proceedings.
The preservation application forms part of an ongoing criminal prosecution before the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria.
Six accused persons, including Judge Portia Dipuo Phahlane, are facing charges related to alleged corruption.
According to the State, a corrupt relationship was allegedly forged between late 2021 and early 2022 involving International Pentecostal Holiness Church faction leader Bhekumzi Mike Sandlana, court interpreter Morongwa Malope and Judge Phahlane.
The State alleges that several meetings were held in Brits, Nigel and Pretoria East, where cash payments were allegedly made and discussions took place regarding the manipulation of pending church leadership litigation.
Investigators further claim that substantial sums of money linked to entities associated with the church dispute were channelled towards the purchase of the Hartbeespoort property, which is registered in Judge Phahlane’s name.
“The preservation application further alleges that the property constitutes the proceeds of unlawful activities arising from corruption-related offences and/or was used in the commission of money laundering activities,” said Kganyago.
He added that the preservation order forms part of a broader investigation that could result in more people being implicated.
“Further proceedings may follow against additional persons alleged to have facilitated, benefited from, or participated in the unlawful activities under investigation,” he said.
“Corruption seldom exists as an arrangement between only two individuals. It is sustained by networks of facilitators, intermediaries, beneficiaries and enablers who contribute to the commission and concealment of criminal conduct.”
