Will Paul O’Sullivan face Parliament? MPs reject virtual testimony after 'criminal' remarks

Members of Parliament (MPs) have demanded the in-person presence of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to give evidence before the Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

O'Sullivan, who is currently in London, said he would only testify virtually before the committee and would not recognise questions from the EFF, MK Party and ActionSA MPs. He said there were also death threats made against him.

Ad Hoc Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane said O' Sullivan's remarks about Parliament and MPs could not be ignored.

Speaking during a committee meeting on Monday, Lekganyane said the investigator had referred to the “criminal Parliament,” and accused MPs of plotting to kill him.

“He went on to cast aspersions on MPs and this committee, accusing them of aiding a criminal conspiracy to take his life.

“He even calls them criminals, and I don’t think that is something we can ignore,” Lekganyane said.

“Further, he stated that even if he appeared virtually, he would not recognise members of the MK Party, EFF or ActionSA.”

ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli called O’Sullivan’s behaviour “contemptuous” and unacceptable.

“When I read the e-mails he wrote, it was clear we are dealing with an individual treating Parliament with serious contempt,” Ntuli said.

“We are convinced he must be physically called to the committee to explain his role in the security environment of the SAPS.”

O’Sullivan is central to the committee’s inquiry.

In testimony before the committee, he has been accused of exercising undue influence over the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), with some witnesses alleging he directed the work of the SAPS, Ipid, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Former acting national police commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, testified last week that O’Sullivan allegedly collaborated with former Ipid head Robert McBride and a group of journalists to discredit him.

He is also alleged to have sent threatening messages to Cedrick Nkabinde, the police ministry’s chief of staff.

Other MPs emphasised legal measures to compel his presence.

MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said their position was clear and they will not allow O’Sullivan to do as he pleases.

“We must use every available mechanism to bring him physically before the committee,” he stated.

EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys added that the committee has tolerated O’Sullivan’s conduct for too long.

“It is time to formally summon him and use Parliament’s powers to compel his appearance,” she said.

The committee has set a February 20 deadline for O’Sullivan's  appearance.