By Johnathan Paoli
Political pressure is mounting after forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan staged a dramatic walkout from Parliament’s ad hoc committee, with National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza warning that action may follow, and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calling for him to be charged with contempt.
Didiza said in a media statement on Thursday that she had noted with concern the unfortunate developments during the committee’s inquiry into allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and confirming she is considering what steps may be taken under Parliament’s Powers and Privileges framework.
“Parliamentary committees are constitutionally mandated to conduct oversight, gather evidence, and interrogate matters of public importance in a manner that upholds the dignity, authority and integrity of Parliament. Witnesses appearing before committees are expected to cooperate fully with proceedings and to respect the authority of Parliament,” Didiza said.
She stressed that parliamentary committees are constitutionally mandated oversight bodies and that witnesses are expected to cooperate fully.
Citing the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, she noted that it “expressly prohibits any person from improperly interfering with or impeding the exercise by Parliament or its committees of their authority or functions”, as well as “creating or taking part in any disturbance while a committee is meeting”.
She stressed that this could jeopardise Parliament’s ability to discharge its constitutional obligation to exercise oversight and to thoroughly interrogate the serious allegations that are before the committee.
Didiza has requested “an urgent report” from committee chairperson Soviet Molapi Lekganyane detailing the events, including the circumstances surrounding O’Sullivan’s departure.
“Upon receipt and consideration of this report, the Speaker will determine what action, if any, may be necessary in terms of the Powers and Privileges Act and the Rules of the National Assembly to safeguard the integrity of Parliament and to ensure that its constitutional mandate is not undermined,” she said.
Earlier in the afternoon, the EFF escalated the matter in a formal letter to Didiza, accusing O’Sullivan of “contemptuous conduct”.
“Mr O’Sullivan simply decided to walk out of the Ad Hoc Committee meeting, without leave being given to him by the Chairperson of the Committee,” the party wrote.
The EFF cited sections of the Powers and Privileges Act compelling witnesses to answer questions, even where answers may be self-incriminating.
“The conduct of Mr O’Sullivan is more egregious than just him refusing to answer to Parliament, and is of such a contemptuous nature that Parliament is invited to assert its authority and hold O’Sullivan to account,” the letter stated.
The party demanded urgent written feedback, saying such action was necessary “to give confidence back to society that Parliament is not to be trampled with”.
The backlash follows a heated exchange during which O’Sullivan, who had returned to complete his testimony, came under sustained questioning from MKP MP David Skosana, who repeatedly accused him of being a spy or foreign agent.
As the session neared its scheduled conclusion, O’Sullivan told MPs that he had to leave, citing a flight to Johannesburg.
EFF leader Julius Malema objected immediately with Skosana insisting that he could not leave, and would appear before the committee.
“I came here of my own free will, and I’m leaving on my own free will,” O’Sullivan responded before walking out.
In questions from journalists during his exit, he insisted that it was not a fair process and said parliament was being hypocritical.
When asked on the request he would apologise on media platform ENCA for claims he made about calling parliamentarians criminals, O’Sullivan gave a guarded reply.
“They refuse to apologise. But they want me to apologise. But for the sake of peace, I will apologise,” he said.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane is expected to submit the report, while it has not been confirmed if O’Sullivan has been charged with contempt.
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