RICA steps in for IPHC Bishop amid corruption allegations

The Reformed Independent Churches Association (RICA) held a media briefing on 15 January 2026, this comes after an arrest of the leader of International Pentecost Holiness Church (IPHC) Bishop Michael Sandlana in 26 November 2025. On the allegations of corruption. 

RICA says the leader of IPHC does not receive fair treatment by the judiciary. Furthermore, RICA states that there are corrupt police officers within the ranks.

They say as pastors, they don't judge anyone. All they want is for the state to be fair on them, with the issue of Bishop Michael Sandlana. 

Bishop Ndlela the Chairperson of RICA says they approached many organizations for help, they even went to the CRL Commission but they did not get help. 

They request that the Minister of Police to intervene, Bishop Ndlela said "the denial of bail should be viewed by bifocal lens"

RICA emphasized that the case should be handled fairly and equally.