Ghost-Writing Claim Rocks ‘The President’s Keepers’ as Ex-Hawks Head Points Finger at Paul O’Sullivan

A bombshell allegation has been levelled against one of South Africa’s most explosive books. Former Gauteng Hawks head, Major General Prince Mokotedi, has claimed that investigative journalist Jacques Pauw’s 2017 blockbuster, ‘The President’s Keepers’, was ghost-written by forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.

Mokotedi made the claim during a recent interview on the Moya Podcast with activist Ntsiki Mazwai. He stated that when he confronted O’Sullivan about the book’s authorship, O’Sullivan allegedly agreed that he wrote it. Mokotedi further alleged that O’Sullivan is “an agent of foreign intelligence agencies,” though he presented no evidence to support either assertion.

A Book That Shook the Nation

‘The President’s Keepers’ scrutinised alleged corruption and intelligence failures during Jacob Zuma’s presidency, triggering legal threats and intense political fallout. The allegation of ghost-writing, if true, would challenge the book’s provenance and the public understanding of its creation.

Fierce Denials and a Sarcastic Rebuttal

Contacted by IOL, Paul O’Sullivan, who is currently in London, issued a firm denial. “I certainly did not write Jacques Pauw’s book,” he stated, adding sarcastically, “it would be nice to get a chunk of the royalties, as I hear it sold 100,000 copies.” He reiterated he had “absolutely nothing to do” with the book’s production.

O’Sullivan attacked Mokotedi’s credibility, citing “very damning” findings in Hawks Ombud reports that he says support his long-held claim of being unlawfully targeted by Mokotedi’s unit.

Jacques Pauw also dismissed the allegation with biting sarcasm. “The book was in fact wrtien (sic) by Vladimir Putin during a holiday in Siberia,” he told IOL. “It was there that I convinced him to invade Ukraine.”

A Battle Extending Beyond the Page

The clash occurs against a fraught backdrop. O’Sullivan is a central witness for Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption in the criminal justice system. The committee insists he testify in person, while O’Sullivan refuses to return to South Africa, citing security threats.

Mokotedi’s allegation adds a new, contentious layer to the ongoing feud between the former Hawks boss and the controversial investigator. With both parties digging in, the claim seems less a settled fact and more another salvo in a long-running warone where the truth is often the first casualty.