The Ad Hoc Committee to Investigate Allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, today expressed serious concern over the conduct and attitude of witness Mr Paul O’Sullivan.
The committee took a dim view of Mr O’Sullivan’s insistence on appearing virtually and his stated refusal to recognise the presence of certain political parties represented on the committee.
Committee Chairperson Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane said the committee spoke with one voice on the matter, reiterating its firm position that individuals appearing before it are expected to do so in person wherever possible, in order to enable the committee to effectively execute its mandate.
Mr Lekganyane informed members that, in correspondence addressed to the committee, Mr O’Sullivan made serious allegations against the committee and Parliament as an institution, as well as claims implicating some political parties in assisting others in an alleged attempt on his life. Mr O’Sullivan further indicated that he was currently out of the country, as per travel arrangements made prior to the committee’s request for his appearance, and that he would therefore only be available to appear virtually. In addition, Mr O’Sullivan stated that even if he were to provide testimony, he would not recognise the presence of certain political parties on the committee, namely the uMkhonto weSizwe Party, the Economic Freedom Fighters and Action SA.
Committee member Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli called Mr O’Sullivan’s behaviour contemptuous and unacceptable. “When I read the emails he wrote, it was clear we are dealing with an individual treating Parliament with serious contempt. We are convinced he must be physically called to the committee to explain his role in the security environment of the SAPS,” emphasised Mr Ntuli.
Another committee member, Ms Leigh-Ann Mathys, elaborated that the committee has tolerated Mr 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. She was supported by another Member, Mr Xola Nqola, who confirmed that Mr O’Sullivan’s request for a virtual appearance was officially declined.
Committee member Mr Ashley Sauls said the committee should not allow Mr O’Sullivan to create the impression that it is divided along political party lines. Meanwhile, committee member Ms Dereleen James was surprised that the process to subpoena him has not yet started, as his reluctance to appear in person has been mentioned before.
Mr Lekganyane said: “Mr O’Sullivan is insulting the Parliament of South Africa, calling it a criminal Parliament. He made serious allegations and went on to cast aspersions on members of this Parliament and members of this committee, accusing them of aiding criminal conspiracies to take his life. This is contempt of Parliament and its processes.”
The Chairperson said that the committee will do everything in its power to ensure that Mr O’Sullivan appears in person to provide testimony. The committee also reaffirmed its position that its work must be conducted in a manner that upholds the authority and integrity of Parliament and respects the full composition of the committee as constituted by the National Assembly.
Members further agreed that the committee’s public hearings – including engagements with civil society organisations and members of the public – should, wherever possible, be conducted in person. This position, members noted, was adopted at the outset of the committee’s proceedings in an effort to limit the use of virtual hearings and to ensure meaningful engagement. Several days have been set aside for this purpose.
The committee will also hear the testimony of Mr Robert McBride today. The ad hoc committee was established in terms of National Assembly Rule 253 to investigate allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi. It was granted an extension until 20 February to conclude its work.
Rajaa Azzakani
20 January 2026
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