A Pretoria High Court judge and a leader of a prominent South African church are among four suspects arrested on Tuesday in connection with a corruption and money-laundering scheme linked to a bitter succession dispute.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, also known as the Hawks, said the arrests follow a takedown operation targeting serious allegations of judicial corruption involving attempts to influence the outcome of a civil matter currently before the Pretoria High Court.
According to investigators, the presiding judge allegedly received financial gratification from the main accused in exchange for delivering a favourable ruling in a long-running leadership battle within a well-known church. The case has gained national attention due to its internal divisions, substantial assets, and competing claims of legitimacy.
Hawks spokesperson Colonel Katlego Mogale said the prosecution-led investigation uncovered the involvement of three additional suspects who are believed to have facilitated the alleged bribery and the laundering of funds.
“The investigation revealed a money trail amounting to millions of rand that allegedly exchanged hands among the accused. As a result, warrants of arrest were obtained for the identified individuals.”
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Wednesday, 26 November.
Acting National Head of the Hawks, Lieutenant General (Acting) Siphosihle Nkosi, welcomed the arrests and praised the coordination between the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
Nkosi said the developments demonstrate the DPCI’s commitment to confronting corruption across all sectors, including the judiciary and religious institutions, both of which hold significant influence in South African society.
“The meticulous work by the Serious Corruption Investigation team, supported by our partners in the National Prosecuting Authority, reflects the strength of our collective resolve. We will continue to pursue all those who abuse positions of trust and undermine the rule of law,” Nkosi said.
The case is expected to draw widespread attention across the region, where similar battles over church leadership and financial control have fuelled legal disputes and allegations of corruption. The arrests also arrive at a time when South Africa is under intense scrutiny to strengthen accountability in state institutions following years of high-profile corruption scandals.
