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 heard testimony from forensic investigator Mr Paul O’Sullivan and his former assistant, Ms Sarah-Jane Trent.
In a marathon session that lasted way into the early hours of the morning, the committee heard evidence from Ms Trent relating to her knowledge of matters linked to the allegations currently under consideration by the inquiry. The meeting had to be paused several times as an Ms Trent struggled to contain her tears during her testimony.
She was extensively questioned about her “relationship” with Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Mr Robert McBride. She was also questioned about allegations that Mr O’Sullivan had infiltrated IPID. She denied having had a romantic relationship with Mr McBride but conceded they socialised.
When questioned about the type of assistance she provided to IPID, Ms Trent said: “We did . . . I did a lot of desktop research and then it would be sort of a file note on media articles or social media things or go on Twitter and see what’s happening. And I would then send it.”
Ms Trent was adamant that being a registered fraud investigator gave her the right to access private individuals’ personal information. She refused to not provide the relevant legislation or regulation that made this possible. Regarding claims of Mr O’Sullivan’s illegal dealings, she said: “I never saw him do anything illegal.”
Earlier in the day, Mr O’Sullivan told Parliament that allegations about him bullying prosecutors and police officials were part of a broader attempt to discredit him for exposing corruption within South Africa’s criminal justice system. He was responding to questions from committee member Mr Xola Nqola, who labelled him a bully. Mr Nqola said several witnesses who previously appeared before the committee presented evidence regarding Mr O’Sullivan’s conduct.
One example, he said, was a video clip played to the committee in which Mr O’Sullivan appeared to threaten Parliament and its members. Mr Nqola also raised a second issue involving a message Mr O’Sullivan allegedly sent to Mr Cedrick Nkabinde, chief of staff to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, while Mr Nkabinde was testifying before the committee.
Mr O’Sullivan apologised at the end of the proceedings to the Chairperson, the committee, the Speaker and South Africans at large for walking out the week before, before proceeding ended.
Committee Chairperson Mr Molapi Soviet Lekganyane said Mr O’Sullivan expect the sympathy, yet he writes a threatening email to Gen Kgomotso Phahlane, threatening his wife and by extension his children and his belongings, telling him he will be arrested. Mr O’Sullivan responded saying this email should be viewed within the context of the stress he was experiencing at the time.
The committee had previously resolved that irrespective of his apology, criminal action against him should still flow in terms of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament Act.
The hearings will continue this week.
Rajaa Azzakani
9 March 2026
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