The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, yesterday stood firm, saying it will not be dictated to by a witness, Ms Sarah-Jane Trent, about which questions it is allowed to ask.
This decision came during a housekeeping meeting to consider procedural issues and outline the way forward in its inquiry into alleged corruption within the criminal justice system. The committee also reflected on its earlier engagement with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan, whose appearance was not concluded after he departed proceedings prematurely, citing a scheduled flight. Following the incident, the committee sought legal advice and formally requested his return to finalise his testimony.
Committee evidence leader Norman Arendse confirmed that Mr O’Sullivan has since agreed to reappear on Thursday to conclude questioning by Adv Bongiwe Mkhize and address outstanding legal matters. Parliamentary legal advisors had set a deadline for confirmation and indicated that a formal summons would have been issued had he failed to comply.
Parliament legal advisor Ms Telana Halley-Starkey indicated that his earlier departure could be viewed as interfering with or impeding the committee’s mandate. They further advised that his conduct may fall within Section 17(1)(c)(i) of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act (PPIPPLA), which relates to improper interference with Parliament’s functions.
While committee members welcomed his agreement to return, some stressed that this does not negate the seriousness of the initial conduct. Committee member Ms Khusela Sangoni said his return does not take away the fact that an offence was committed while Mr David Skosana maintained that processes relating to possible contempt should continue.
Committee Chairperson Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane said the committee’s decision on this and the call for criminal charges to be instituted will be conveyed to the Speaker of the National Assembly for her consideration.
The committee also addressed matters concerning Ms Trent and reiterated that all witnesses will be treated consistently and in accordance with the Constitution and applicable legislation. Ms Trent’s lawyer sent a letter indicating that she will not answer certain questions. This relates to information that they claim was illegally obtained when her phone was “stolen” during an arrest and content was downloaded.
The committee was firm that they will ask any question relating to its mandate, especially if it speaks to infiltration of the criminal justice system. They said they will not be dictated to as to what questions to ask. Members reaffirmed their commitment to a fair, thorough and transparent inquiry. Further details on upcoming hearings will be communicated in due course.
The hearings continue today.
Rajaa Azzakani
3 March 2026
Arrange a tour