Chauke denies soliciting O’Sullivan’s input on national police commissioner appointment

By Johnathan Paoli

President Cyril Ramaphosa’s special adviser, Bejani Chauke, has rejected claims by forensic examiner Paul O’Sullivan that he was asked to provide input into the appointment of the National Police Commissioner, insisting he did not solicit O’Sullivan’s involvement and that the process was conducted with integrity.

In a post on social media, Chauke responded to what he claims as false allegations made by O’Sullivan before Parliament’s ad-hoc committee investigating corruption and interference in the criminal justice system.

“Ordinarily, as a special adviser to the President of the Republic, I received both solicited and unsolicited advice from third parties, which is a normal part of my official role and helps clarify the context,” Chauke said.

He said that in terms of the appointments and suitable candidates, he would receive a “barrage of suggestions”, and that it was not unusual for him to receive third-party advice on matters under presidential