Key Takeaways:
- Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan has denied claims that he fled South Africa to avoid testifying before Parliament’s ad hoc committee
- O’Sullivan is willing to testify virtually, but refuses to appear in person due to security concerns and allegations of a "criminal enterprise" within the police
- He has accused KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of inciting violence against him and claims to have received credible threats to his life
- O’Sullivan has applied to testify virtually, citing personal security concerns and alleging that the committee’s rules allow for virtual testimony under "exceptional circumstances"
- The ad hoc committee has had its mandate extended and is set to hear testimony from several high-profile witnesses, including former national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo
Introduction to the Controversy
Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan has rejected claims that he fled South Africa to avoid appearing before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, saying he is willing to testify, but only virtually. O’Sullivan has been at the center of a controversy surrounding his public attacks on KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. ActionSA leader Athol Trollip had claimed that O’Sullivan’s failure to appear before the committee added to concerns about his allegations against Mkhwanazi. However, O’Sullivan has denied these claims, stating that he is overseas due to "urgent family business" and is willing to testify virtually.
O’Sullivan’s Security Concerns
O’Sullivan has cited personal security concerns as the reason for his refusal to appear in person before the committee. He has alleged that there is a "criminal enterprise" within the police that wants him murdered and has accused Mkhwanazi of inciting violence against him. O’Sullivan has pointed to a statement made by Mkhwanazi during parliamentary proceedings, in which the police commissioner said that it was time for the country to take action against O’Sullivan. O’Sullivan has claimed that this statement was a veiled threat and that he has received credible intelligence of a real threat to his life. He has also alleged that Mkhwanazi’s "social media troll-factory" has generated numerous threats calling for violence against him.
Application to Testify Virtually
O’Sullivan has formally applied to testify virtually, citing his security concerns and alleging that the committee’s rules allow for virtual testimony under "exceptional circumstances". He has argued that the committee’s failure to intervene in the face of Mkhwanazi’s alleged incitement of violence has resulted in him receiving threats to his life. O’Sullivan has also stated that he will not return to South Africa to testify in person, as he believes that this would put him in danger. He has invoked his constitutional rights, stating that he will not be forced to put himself in harm’s way.
Committee Proceedings
The ad hoc committee, which was established to investigate corruption allegations made by Mkhwanazi against senior police and justice officials, has had its mandate extended to 20 February. The committee has resumed its work and is set to hear testimony from several high-profile witnesses, including former national police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo. North West businessman Brown Mogotsi has also requested to testify virtually, placing renewed focus on witness safety and parliamentary procedure. The committee’s chairperson, Molapi Lekganyane, has warned that MPs face tight deadlines to conclude hearings and finalize a report.
O’Sullivan’s Criticism of the Committee
O’Sullivan has been critical of the committee and certain MPs, including EFF leader Julius Malema and members of the MK Party. He has accused them of being "criminals masquerading as MPs" and has stated that he will not allow a convicted criminal like Malema to tell him that he is not above the law. O’Sullivan has reiterated his willingness to testify, but has made it clear that he will only do so virtually. He has stated that his evidence will include his submission to the Madlanga Commission and a criminal case he claims to have opened against Mkhwanazi’s chief of staff, Cedric Nkabinde.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul O’Sullivan’s refusal to appear in person before Parliament’s ad hoc committee has sparked a controversy surrounding his security concerns and allegations of a "criminal enterprise" within the police. O’Sullivan has applied to testify virtually, citing his security concerns and alleging that the committee’s rules allow for virtual testimony under "exceptional circumstances". The committee’s proceedings are set to continue, with several high-profile witnesses scheduled to testify. The issue of witness safety and parliamentary procedure is likely to remain a focus of attention in the coming weeks.
