An outdated curriculum vitae (CV), unwillingness to disclose employer information and an “attention seeking” Mr Paul O’Sullivan featured during yesterday’s testimony from Mr Robert McBride. Mr McBride was providing testimony before 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.
Mr McBride, the former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head, came under fire from Members of Parliament when it became apparent at the start of the proceedings that he had submitted an outdated CV. MPs also took offence at his demeanour – laughing and making faces during proceedings, while refusing to disclose his current employment.
He said he was he had been unable to update his CV due to a lack of certain technological devices. This drew criticism from MPs, who questioned his preparedness and respect for the process. Committee members also took issue with Mr McBride’s unwillingness to reveal where he currently works. “I am not allowed to say what my employment is,” he told the committee, citing restrictions under the National Strategic Intelligence Act of 1994 and offering no further explanation. Several MPs said this refusal undermined transparency in a high-stakes inquiry.
Committee member Mr Sibonelo Nomvalo said the inclusion of an outdated CV indicated a contempt for parliamentary oversight. “It must be condemned with the contempt it deserves,” said Mr Nomvalo.
Another committee member Ms Dereleen James asked for more information about why he could not disclose his role if he was employed by the state. She also objected to what she described as his dismissive gestures and facial expressions while members were questioning him. In this she was supported by another committee member, Mr Xola Nqola, who called on Mr McBride to show respect for the committee to ensure an orderly and credible process.
Ms Leigh-Anne Mathys, another committee member, also complained about Mr McBride’s attitude. “It tells us that Mr McBride is not taking this ad hoc committee seriously. He’s just indifferent. He’s just here like ‘oh, you called me here’.”
Mr McBride several times confirmed Mr O’Sullivan’s skill in compiling intelligence information, a skill he said he used on many occasions. He described Mr O’Sullivan as “eccentric, a little bit strange, but he does have good information”. However, Mr O’Sullivan was also an attention seeker, which led to boast about things he did not do, Mr McBride said. He further testified that Mr O’Sullivan at times overstepped in investigations and had to called to order.
Mr McBride also accused former Police Minister Nathi Nhleko of knowingly appointing an illegal immigrant from Zimbabwe in his office as “chief of staff” and carrying a false South African identity document.
Mr McBride also accused Lt Gen Mkhwanazi of attempting to undermine an investigation into his former acting national boss Lt Gen Khomotso Phahlane. He claimed that, based on his knowledge of IPID, he was aware of Lt Gen Mkhwanazi playing an undue and prosecutable role in trying to scuttle IPID’s investigation into Lt Gen Phahlane.
Mr McBride will today continue his session before the committee where MPs will be given an opportunity to question him.
Rajaa Azzakani
21 January 2026
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