A formal complaint has been lodged against Judge Portia Phahlane, with Acting Judge President Ledwaba referring the matter to the Judicial Service Commission for further action.
In a statement, it was confirmed that the complaint has now been formally referred to the Judicial Conduct Committee in terms of Section 16(1)(a) and (b) of the Judicial Service Commission Act 9 of 1994. The committee will assess the submissions made by both Acting Judge President Ledwaba, as the complainant, and Judge Phahlane, 57, who is the respondent.
Both parties have been given until 27 February to file their representations. Once these submissions have been considered, the committee will decide on the appropriate next steps in the complaint process.
The statement further indicated that, while the Judicial Service Commission oversees the matter, Judge Phahlane will not preside over any part-heard cases until the process has been finalised. This arrangement aligns with the bail conditions imposed in her ongoing criminal case.
Ongoing Corruption Case
Judge Phahlane was granted R50,000 bail last year by the Pretoria Special Commercial Crimes Court. Her son, Kagiso Phahlane, was released on R10,000 bail in the same matter.
They are facing corruption charges alongside co-accused Vusi Soli Ndala and International Pentecost Holiness Church leader Bhekumuzi Mike Sandlana.
The four accused collectively face 19 counts of corruption. It is alleged that between 2021 and 2022, payments totalling approximately R2.4 million were made on several occasions into various bank accounts for the benefit of Judge Phahlane. The State alleges the payments were intended to influence her to preside over Sandlana’s civil matter in the High Court and deliver a favourable ruling.
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