The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service’s (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, on Wednesday continued with testimony from former police reservist and forensic examiner Mr Paul O’Sullivan.
Mr O’Sullivan told the committee that he had previously visited the residence of General Kgomotso Phahlane as part of an investigation, accompanied by the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID). He said he had been to the property before and that lead investigator Mr Mandla Mhlangu had asked him to disclose what he knew.
He also described his professional relationship with former IPID Executive Director Mr Robert McBride, stating that he worked with Mr McBride for four to six meetings to assist him in understanding certain matters of alleged corrupt officials in the SAPS before stepping back. Mr O’Sullivan further confirmed that he paid Mr McBride’s legal fees in a matter relating to his reinstatement, prompting Committee Member Mr Xola Nqola to ask what he stood to gain should Mr McBride return to office.
Responding to questions about a message sent to former ministerial chief of staff Mr Cedric Nkabinde, Mr O’Sullivan rejected claims that it constituted a threat, stating that he was merely “stating a fact”. Mr Nqola also questioned why Mr O’Sullivan sent the message while Mr Nkabinde was testifying before the committee.
Committee members asked a range of questions relating to Mr O’Sullivan’s background and alleged affiliations. Ms Thokozile Sokanyile asked why he had directed informants to engage only with Lt Gen Sibiya and not with Lt Gen Mkhwanazi or Gen Masemola, stating that Mr O’Sullivan created the impression that only the former is credible.
Committee member Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli questioned whether spies can disclose their identities, to which Mr O’Sullivan responded that even if one were a spy that infiltrated into South African, that person would not admit it.
Mr Albert Mncwango asked whether Mr O’Sullivan had been part of, or was aware of, a so-called “third force” operating in South Africa that had fuelled black-on-black violence. Mr Sibonelo Nomvalo questioned his relationship with AfriForum, while Mr Ashley Sauls asked whether Mr O’Sullivan had benefited from the apartheid system by virtue of being white. Ms Khusela Sangoni raised concerns about his comments about a “third force” allegedly operating within the National Assembly.
Members also interrogated Mr O’Sullivan about his qualifications and his appointment to senior positions, including his appointment as head of aviation security at Airports Company South Africa (ACSA). Mr Julius Malema questioned Mr O’Sullivan’s educational background and stated that he did not meet the requirements for the ACSA position. “You were not qualified to be employed as a head of anything at ACSA, because you didn’t possess the necessary qualifications,” Mr Malema said.
Mr O’Sullivan refused to provide details of his educational background, including the technikon he attended, stating: “I’m not prepared to discuss my educational background, I made that clear.” He also denied allegations that he infiltrated IPID.
The hearing was adjourned shortly after 19:00 when Mr O’Sullivan complained of excruciating pain. He told the committee that he had survived multiple attempts on his life and had previously been shot, and that he was experiencing severe pain linked to the reconstruction of his spinal cord.
Committee Chairperson Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane indicated that committee will not meet next week due to the broader programme of the National Assembly. He further indicated that the committee has applied to the office of the Speaker for an extension of its lifespan. Currently the committee’s term comes to and end on 20 February 2026, next week Friday.
Rajaa Azzakani
12 February 2026
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