O’Sullivan apologises to South Africans after Parliament walkout

Controversial forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, has apologised to South Africans for the manner in which he left Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee proceedings last week, but insists he did not undermine the institution.

O’Sullivan returned to the committee on Thursday to conclude his testimony after abruptly walking out of the hearings on 26 February.

The committee is probing allegations of political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system raised by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

Tensions resurfaced during Thursday’s sitting when MK Party MP, Sibonelo Nomvalo, accused O’Sullivan of using his apology to evade accountability.

Nomvalo further insisted that O’Sullivan apologise directly to South Africans, emphasising that Parliament carries the constitutional mandate of the public.

In response, O’Sullivan said he had already submitted a written apology to the committee but stressed that it was not an admission of undermining Parliament.

Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, confirmed that O’Sullivan had submitted the written apology on Wednesday evening, expressing regret for the manner in which he exited the proceedings.

Speaking to the public broadcaster ahead of Thursday’s sitting, Lekganyane said O’Sullivan should have formally requested permission to leave if he was under time pressure.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions online, with some social media users calling for O’Sullivan to be forgiven, while others insist he should face legal consequences.

when a person repent from what he did should be respected and apology must be respected we do not need hard people by the way some of the MPS are not behaving well that they must know

— Labza (@Labani62766541) March 5, 2026

https://t.co/JWERPALCUG

— 🇿🇦Xhosa Nostra (@Inako_Yolwa) March 5, 2026

Written by: Realeboga Nke