Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan and former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane are set to reappear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday.
Image: Armand Hough
Forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan and former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane are set to return to testify before Parliament’s ad hoc committee in Cape Town on Thursday.
The ad hoc committee was established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service KwaZulu-Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
On Tuesday, the committee engaged North West businessman and alleged crime intelligence agent Brown Mogotsi during his first appearance before the inquiry.
Acting chairperson Xola Nqola said the several-hour engagement was extensive and robust.
“Yet we all remained respectful. We all had one goal in mind, and that was to obtain as much information as possible regarding his knowledge and evidence about the allegations of criminal infiltration and political interference in the criminal justice system,” Nqola said.
The committee questioned Mogotsi on his credentials and background as a businessman, as well as his purported role as a crime intelligence agent.
Members sought clarity on his professional history, business interests, sources of income and links to crime intelligence structures within the South African Police Service.
Mogotsi insisted he was a crime intelligence agent and informant, saying he had worked with several handlers over the years and had, at one stage, investigated controversial murder accused businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala.
However, Mogotsi failed to provide proof to substantiate the claim.
He said he is currently an entrepreneur and had been involved in crime intelligence activities over the years, initially as an informant and later as an agent.
Former acting National Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane is set to reappear before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Thursday.
Image: Picture: Thobile Mathonsi/Independent Media
He said he had been a crime intelligence agent since 2009.
During his testimony, Mogotsi spent much of the day responding to questions about his business background, interactions with crime intelligence officials, his alleged role in facilitating relationships between individuals and law enforcement structures, and his assertion that he assumed false identities to gather information.
He acknowledged benefiting financially and otherwise from Matlala, a matter members of Parliament said was concerning, particularly given his claim that he was investigating him as a crime intelligence agent.
Mogotsi also said he did not believe Matlala was part of the alleged “big five” cartel referenced in the inquiry.
The committee emphasised the importance of full disclosure and co-operation to enable Parliament to establish the facts surrounding the allegations under investigation.
“Members reiterated that the inquiry seeks to strengthen oversight, accountability and integrity within the criminal justice system,” Nqola said.
“The committee reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough, transparent and impartial inquiry, guided by the principles of accountability, transparency and parliamentary oversight.”
“It will continue to engage relevant stakeholders and witnesses as part of its programme of hearings.”
The hearings will continue on Thursday with testimony from O’Sullivan and Phahlane.
Their appearances were recently postponed because of time constraints during Phahlane’s testimony and because O’Sullivan fell ill during his submission.
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