Tensions ran high during the testimony of former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Mr Robert McBride before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Commissioner Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. Committee Chairperson Molapi Soviet Lekganyane was forced to intervene repeatedly on Wednesday to restore order during Mr McBride’s testimony as MPs accused him of undermining the committee.
For the second consecutive day, Members of Parliament accused Mr McBride of undermining the authority of the committee, which is probing allegations arising from a press conference held by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi in July last year.
Tensions escalated when committee member Mr Sibonelo Nomvalo questioned Mr McBride about a family court matter. When asked whether the individual referred to in the matter was his child, Mr McBride objected strongly. “Well, you’re starting to get very personal now,” Mr McBride said, adding: “No, you’re asking about my child. You shouldn’t be. You should mind your own business about my family.”
Despite Mr Nomvalo’s insistence, Mr McBride rejected the line of questioning outright and remained visibly agitated, repeating his objection and warning the Member to “mind your own business”.
Committee member Ms Leigh-Ann Mathys accused Mr McBride of displaying hostility and condescension throughout the proceedings. “We’ve been undermined since Mr McBride arrived here this morning,” she said.
Another committee member, Ms Dereleen James, echoed these concerns, criticising Mr McBride’s conduct over the two days of testimony. “Mr McBride needs to pull himself together. He’s been doing this since yesterday . . . And now, he’s threatening us,” Ms James said.
Following further objections from committee members, Chairperson Lekganyane intervened again, urging Mr McBride to choose his words more carefully when addressing the committee. He assured Mr McBride that the committee’s intention was not to humiliate him but stressed that mutual respect was essential for the proceedings to succeed.
Members also questioned Mr McBride extensively about his relationship with independent investigator Mr Paul O’Sullivan and his associate, Ms Sarah-Jane Trent.
Mr McBride repeatedly confirmed that he had relied on Mr O’Sullivan’s intelligence-gathering capabilities on numerous occasions. He described Mr O’Sullivan as “eccentric” and “a little bit strange” but maintained that he possessed useful information.
However, Mr McBride also characterised Mr O’Sullivan as an “attention seeker” who wanted to be at the centre of attention and at times boasted about actions he had not undertaken. He further testified that Mr O’Sullivan had on occasion overstepped during investigations and had to be called to order.
Mr McBride denied that his relationship with Mr O’Sullivan was anything other than professional. He also rejected claims that WhatsApp messages purportedly exchanged between himself and Ms Trent were indicative of a romantic relationship.
During the session, Ms James produced a bundle of WhatsApp messages and drew her own conclusion from the correspondence. “You rolled out the red carpet for Paul O’Sullivan and had a relationship with Sarah-Jane Trent,” she said.
Committee member Mr Mdumiseni Ntuli further raised concerns about allegations that Mr McBride may have used Mr O’Sullivan to draft statements on behalf of IPID.
The committee is expected to continue its engagements as it works through the testimony of witnesses in Phase Two of its investigation.
Rajaa Azzakani
22 January 2026
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