‘Risk of Evasion Can’t Be Ignored’: EFF Opens Criminal Case Against Paul O’Sullivan After Parliament Walkout

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have opened a criminal case against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan following his dramatic departure from Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee hearing last week.

O’Sullivan walked out of the proceedings on Thursday while being questioned by Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize, after repeatedly raising that he had to leave by 1pm to catch a flight.

The Walkout

Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, Soviet Lekganyane, had asked Mkhize to conclude her questioning. She indicated she had only a few questions left.

While she was wrapping up, O’Sullivan stood up, gathered his belongings, and began walking out.

EFF leader Julius Malema told him to sit downhe had not been dismissed. MKP MP David Skosana warned that they would open a case.

O’Sullivan kept walking. “I am finished,” he said.

The Criminal Case

On Friday morning, EFF’s Leigh-Ann Mathys opened the case at the Cape Town Central Police Station, alleging O’Sullivan’s conduct violated the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004.

Under Section 17 of the Act, refusing to give evidence, failing to remain in attendance, or committing contempt of Parliament may constitute an offence. Section 27 provides for a fine or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

The Affidavit

Mathys’ affidavit paints O’Sullivan as a serial offender against parliamentary authority:

• “Disrespect for the authority of the Chairperson”

• “Refusal to comply with lawful questioning”

• “Conduct calculated to obstruct the work of the Committee”

“Parliament cannot function effectively if witnesses are permitted to: Take an oath; Answer selectively; and then abandon proceedings at will,” the affidavit states.

The Flight Risk

The EFF’s submission raises a pointed concern: O’Sullivan’s ability to leave the country.

“Mr Paul O’Sullivan is not a peripheral figure in these proceedings, but a central witness of significant interest. His refusal to complete his testimony under oath raises reasonable concern regarding potential obstruction of accountability processes.”

The affidavit notes that O’Sullivan is “a person of substantial means, reportedly in possession of a private jet and holding multiple passports, including South African, United Kingdom and Irish passports.”

“The risk of evasion of accountability cannot be ignored.”

The Speaker’s Concern

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has expressed concern about the implications for Parliament’s constitutional oversight role.

Didiza requested an urgent report from Lekganyane detailing the events. Upon receipt, she will determine what action may be necessary under the Powers and Privileges Act.

As of Sunday, Parliament spokesperson Moloto Mothapo said the Speaker has yet to receive the report.

The Bottom Line

A witness walks out mid-testimony. Parliament fumes. A criminal case is opened. And the question of whether O’Sullivan will face consequencesor simply board his private jet and fly awaynow hangs in the balance.

The EFF has made its move. The Speaker is waiting for answers. And O’Sullivan, for now, is “finished” with the committeebut perhaps not with the law.

{Source: IOL}

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