O’Sullivan to have his day in Parliament on Tuesday

Forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, has agreed to testify in person before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing alleged corruption and political interference within South Africa’s criminal justice system.

O’Sullivan had previously requested to appear virtually before the committee from London, citing security concerns.  However, Members of Parliament rejected the request, accusing him of undermining the committee’s work.

The controversial investigator’s decision to physically appear comes a week after the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, declined the committee’s request to subpoena O’Sullivan and tainted North West businessman, Brown Mogotsi.

O’Sullivan has been accused of interfering with the work of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID).

During his testimony before the committee, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, urged members to investigae O’Sullivan’s alleged involvement in questionable policing matters. Mkhwanazi also claimed that O’Sullivan had vested interests at several ports of entry, including OR Tambo International Airport.

O’Sullivan’s name has featured prominently in the hearings. Former acting National Police Commissioner, Kgomotso Phahlane, accused him of posing as an IPID investigator and of working alongside former IPID head Robert McBride to target him.

Phahlane claims the pair, together with several journalists, orchestrated a smear campaign that ultimately led to his removal from office.

Parliament says engagements with Mogotsi regarding his appearance before the committee are still ongoing.

“The issuing of a summons is a serious legal measure and must remain an act of last resort. It cannot be invoked lightly or without meeting the strict legal requirements prescribed by law. Issuing summonses prematurely or without proper procedural grounding risks undermining the credibility of Parliament’s processes and exposing them to avoidable judicial review.”

Ad Hoc Committee Investigating Allegations made by Lt Gen Mkhwanazi – the draft witness schedule . @SAPoliceService @ParliamentofRSA #pktt @NPA_Prosecutes @DefenceCluster #adhoccommittee pic.twitter.com/RbSET6UFiV

— Justice-and-security-Cluster (@JustSecuCluster) February 9, 2026

Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza, has welcomed O’Sullivan’s decision to testify in person, saying it reflects the committee’s commitment to due process.

Didiza confirmed that engagements with Brown Mogotsi are continuing, adding that the issuing of a summons would only be considered if all other avenues are exhausted, given the serious legal implications of such a step.