Johannesburg – A High Court judge, the leader of a well-known South African church, and two other suspects have been arrested on charges of corruption and money laundering following a Hawks operation conducted on Monday night.
The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks) confirmed the arrests in a statement on Tuesday, saying their Serious Corruption Investigation team “arrested 4 suspects, the Judge, 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, 25/11.”
#sapsHAWKS The #Hawks’ Serious Corruption Investigation team based at the Head Office has arrested 4 suspects, the Judge, 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… pic.twitter.com/AyJGzxpNTQ
— SA Police Service 🇿🇦 (@SAPoliceService) November 26, 2025
According to the Hawks, the takedown is linked to serious allegations that the suspects attempted to improperly influence an ongoing civil matter before the Pretoria High Court.
The case centres on a prominent church that has been embroiled in a long-running 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,” the Hawks said.
The four suspects are expected to appear before the Pretoria Serious Commercial Crimes Court on Tuesday morning.
Authorities say further investigations are under way.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
