By Marcus Moloko
ANC MP Khusela Sangoni has firmly rejected proposals for forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to testify virtually before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, insisting that he must appear in person to answer allegations of interference in South Africa’s justice system.
The ad hoc committee was established in 2025 to investigate allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused senior figures in the police and justice system of corruption, political interference, and misconduct. The inquiry is running at the same time as the Madlanga Commission, which is probing similar claims.
Sangoni has taken a hard line against allowing O’Sullivan to testify remotely.
“We vehemently reject at this point any consideration of online hearings. Our terms of reference were very clear that witnesses must present themselves physically before the committee. This relates to Mr. Paul O’Sullivan as well as Mr. Brown Mogotsi. Sufficient time has been given to Mr. O’Sullivan to present himself before the committee. We must utilise any avenues Parliament has to compel him to appear.”
She said that the gravity of the allegations required O’Sullivan to face MPs directly, dismissing claims that his being abroad was sufficient justification for virtual testimony.
Sangoni added that if O’Sullivan was capable of impersonating an IPID member, “there’s absolutely no reason why he can’t come before a Parliament of the people to answer for himself”.
Her stance was echoed by EFF leader Julius Malema, who has also demanded that both O’Sullivan and North West businessman Brown Mogotsi appear physically before the committee.
“Parliament must do everything in its power to ensure that Paul O’Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi appear before the Ad Hoc Committee. Both men must respect the country’s laws,” Malema said.
O’Sullivan and Mogotsi had requested to testify virtually, citing fears for their safety. But Malema dismissed these concerns, warning that accountability cannot be compromised.
O’Sullivan is implicated in allegations of interfering with South Africa’s justice system, including claims of influencing investigations, impersonating officials, and intimidating senior government staff.
During earlier hearings, he allegedly sent a threatening message to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, while testimony was underway.
Committee members referenced allegations that O’Sullivan impersonated an Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) official, raising concerns about his credibility.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane confirmed that the inquiry has been granted a second and final extension until 20 February 2026, placing MPs under pressure to conclude hearings and compile a credible final report within weeks.
“The revised programme will determine whether we finish strong or fall short. This may not be the last meeting, given the scale of work still ahead and the urgency to conclude the inquiry,” Lekganyane said.
Oral hearings are scheduled to run from 14 January to 6 February, with the objective of completing all witness testimony by early February.
The committee still intends to hear from several high-profile witnesses, including:
Crime Intelligence head Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, former national police commissioner Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department Deputy Chief Julius Mkhwanazi, and former IPID head Robert McBride.
INSIDE POLITICS