LIVE: Paul O’Sullivan testifies before Parliament under tight security
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan is testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing alleged corruption, interference and misconduct within the South African Police Service and the broader law enforcement apparatus.
Image: Itumeleng English
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan on Tuesday told Parliament’s ad hoc committee probing allegations of interference, corruption and misconduct within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the broader law enforcement apparatus, that he has brought his own security, and is also supported by police.
At the beginning of his testimony, O'Sullivan was asked if he had brought other individuals with him into the room. He said he was with a man he identified as Paul Gibson.
"I cannot see him .. Paul Gibson. The security team of Parliament scattered here in this room and outside. Police have provided me with additional escorts as well. This was necessary because of the threats that have been made against me," O'Sullivan interacted with the chairperson of the ad hoc committee, Soviet Lekganyane, before midday.
Just hours before appearing in Parliament on Tuesday morning, O’Sullivan made remarks outside the precinct describing KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, national police commissioner Fannie Masemola, and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo as “rogue” and accusing them of conduct warranting imprisonment.
O’Sullivan’s appearance follows his earlier-than-planned return to South Africa from London after learning that Parliament’s ad hoc committee is expected to conclude its work next week. He previously told IOL that it was important to testify in person and place evidence before Members of Parliament rather than allow what he described as false narratives to go unchallenged.
He was scheduled to testify last week but did not appear, citing concerns for his personal safety. Members of the ad hoc committee later acknowledged the security risks faced by certain witnesses and indicated that measures would be implemented to ensure safe and uninterrupted proceedings.
O’Sullivan has told IOL that security around his appearance has since been beefed up, but declined to discuss the finer details.
The ad hoc committee was established by Parliament to investigate allegations of interference, corruption and misconduct within SAPS, identify systemic failures and make recommendations aimed at restoring the integrity of policing and law enforcement structures.
O’Sullivan has also rejected claims by some witnesses who appeared before the committee that he infiltrated the Independent Police Investigative Directorate or exerted improper influence within law enforcement, dismissing the allegations as false and defamatory.
The committee is expected to continue hearing evidence before compiling a report and recommendations to Parliament.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News