Courts & Legal
Parliament prepares to probe deeper into Paul O’Sullivan testimony
Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has begun hearing testimony from forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.
However, according to Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls, the committee has not yet reached the core of what it was established to examine.
A slow start to a complex inquiry
O’Sullivan began his testimony by outlining his background, including a notable detail from the early years of South Africa’s democracy. He explained that he once trained President Cyril Ramaphosa as a police reservist.
Sauls indicated that the committee’s focus has so far been more about context than substance. Members are still establishing O’Sullivan’s history, his access to security information, and the nature of his past involvement in law enforcement structures.
“We haven’t really gotten into the depth of it,” Sauls said, noting that the central issues tied to Mkhwanazi’s allegations are still to be explored.
Health challenges and a measured tone
Sauls also commented on O’Sullivan’s physical condition during proceedings. He acknowledged that age has affected the forensic investigator, particularly in terms of hearing impairment and back ailments.
He described O’Sullivan as patient and willing to answer questions, even if there were moments of tension. At times, Sauls said, O’Sullivan appeared to set conditions around certain lines of questioning, especially when discussions touched on events prior to 1990.
Why the extension matters
The committee is seeking additional time to complete its work, and Sauls supports that move. In his view, the volume of outstanding work requires more time to ensure the process is thorough.
“There’s a lot that needs to be done,” he said, adding that the aim is to conclude properly and thoroughly, ideally by March.
The next sessions are expected to delve deeper into the substance of O’Sullivan’s testimony as the committee continues its investigation.
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: News24
