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JSC asks Chief Justice to appoint tribunal for Judge Phahlane

Published

The Judicial Service Commission found reasonable grounds to suspect Pretoria high court judge Portia Phahlane is guilty of gross misconduct. It reached the view at its meeting on 9 October, after studying a Judicial Conduct Committee report.

Aubrey Ledwaba lodged the complaint in February 2026, when he was Gauteng acting judge president. The Judicial Conduct Committee produced the report that the commission considered.

The Hawks arrested Phahlane and three co-accused in November 2025. The Hawks allege she accepted about R2m in cash and benefits to influence the outcome of a church succession case. The case involved the International Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Phahlane denies criminal conduct. Her bail affidavit said she intends to plead not guilty.

The National Prosecuting Authority's Asset Forfeiture Unit secured a preservation order over a luxury property in Hartbeespoort, worth about R6m. The authority said the property was bought partly with proceeds of unlawful activities, including corruption and money laundering.

Key facts

Who
Portia Phahlane (Pretoria high court judge subject of gross misconduct complaint); Judicial Service Commission (commission that found reasonable grounds of gross misconduct and resolved to…); Mandisa Maya (Chief Justice, asked to appoint the tribunal); Aubrey Ledwaba (lodged the complaint in February 2026 while Gauteng acting judge president)
What
The JSC found reasonable grounds to suspect Judge Portia Phahlane is guilty of gross misconduct after considering a Judicial Conduct Committee report at its October 9 meeting, and will ask the Chief Justice to appoint a tribunal. Phahlane and three co-accused were arrested by the Hawks in November 2025 over allegations she accepted about R2m in cash and benefits to influence a church succession…
When
9 October 2026
Where
Pretoria, Hartbeespoort
Status
Reported

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