O'Sullivan brands police chiefs 'criminal gang' before parliament testimony
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to testify before parliament’s ad hoc committee that is investigating allegations of corruption and political interference in the SAPS.
Image: ITUMELENG ENGLISH Independent Newspapers
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on the leadership of the South African Police Service, accusing Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, and Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of Crime Intelligence of being “rogue” and deserving of prison.
The explosive allegations were made as he arrived at Parliament to testify before an ad hoc committee probing corruption and systemic failures within SAPS.
Walking briskly into the Parliamentary precinct in Cape Town shortly before 9am, O’Sullivan told journalists that the problem of rogue elements within the police has haunted South Africa for more than two decades. He traced the roots of the alleged corruption to the tenure of former national police commissioner Jackie Selebi.
“Fifteen generals and 18 brigadiers are facing criminal charges because of the investigations that I have done,” O’Sullivan said, highlighting what he described as the depth and longevity of rot within the police leadership.
Crime Intelligence boss Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo appearing before the ad hoc committee investigating allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi last year. Forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan has branded Khumalo and Mkhwanazi as 'rogue', before his testimony before the ad-hoc committee.
Image: ARMAND HOUGH Independent Newspapers
O’Sullivan referred to Lieutenant-General Mkhwanazi, General Masemola, and Lieutenant-General Khumalo as a “gang of three” and expressed hope that his testimony would fundamentally alter how they are viewed.
“The three of them… they all belong in prison,” he said.
O’Sullivan’s appearance comes amid mounting scrutiny of senior SAPS officials accused of undermining investigations to shield criminal networks. The committee’s work is expected to culminate in a report outlining findings and recommendations to address deep-seated governance and accountability failures within the police service.
Having returned early from London to testify in person, O’Sullivan stressed the importance of presenting evidence directly to Parliament, particularly as the committee is expected to conclude its work next week. His in-person appearance follows a rejected bid to testify virtually, with the committee citing security concerns. Previous witnesses have also made allegations against O’Sullivan, prompting heightened safety measures.
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, with national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Image: TUMI PAKKIES Independent Newspapers
Parliamentary sources told IOL that extensive arrangements were put in place to ensure O’Sullivan’s security, including increased protection and controlled access to the committee venue. O’Sullivan confirmed these measures but declined to disclose further details.
He also firmly rejected claims by other witnesses that he wielded undue influence within law enforcement structures or infiltrated the Independent Police Investigative Directorate, dismissing the allegations as defamatory. As his testimony unfolds, its ramifications could extend well beyond Parliament, potentially shaping future policy and accountability within SAPS.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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