Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan must confirm by midday today whether he will return to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, or face a formal summons, following his abrupt departure during questioning last week.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The legal representative of the ad hoc committee says forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has been asked to complete his testimony on Thursday and must confirm his attendance by midday today, or he will be formally summoned to appear before the committee.
The ad hoc committee is investigating allegations made last July by KZN police boss Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The committee met on Monday, March 2, to discuss the actions of O’Sullivan’s walkout.
Andile Tetyana from Parliament’s Legal Services updated the committee on the process following O’Sullivan’s walkout.
“The Secretary will recall that on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after Mr O’Sullivan walked out of the committee proceedings without permission and in violation of the rules of the National Assembly and the Cause of Privileges Act, you asked committee members whether it was their wish for Mr O’Sullivan to return and complete his evidence,” Tetyana said.
“The committee resolved that Mr O’Sullivan must return and conclude his evidence, as he was still under examination when he walked out.”
Tetyana added, “We can confirm that on Friday, February 27, 2026, we sent correspondence to Mr O’Sullivan inviting him to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as he was still under examination when he decided to abandon proceedings without the Treasurer’s permission.”
“Chairperson, (Soviet Lekganyane) we have also informed Mr O’Sullivan that he must indicate his willingness to appear before the committee by no later than 12 midday today.”
The development follows last Thursday, when O’Sullivan left the committee while still being questioned by Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize, who said she had only a few questions remaining.
The situation escalated after repeated exchanges over his requests to ask questions and his insistence that he needed to leave by 1pm to avoid the cost of rescheduling his flight.
As Mkhize wrapped up, O’Sullivan stood, gathered his belongings, and began walking out.
EFF leader Julius Malema told him to sit down, saying he had not been dismissed.
MK Party MP David Skosana said they would open a case against him for leaving the hearing.
“You are walking out,” Malema and Skosana said, to which O’Sullivan replied, “I am finished.” Malema said only the committee chair, Lekganyane, could excuse him.
O’Sullivan continued past MPs and left the proceedings, later explaining that he needed to catch his flight.
Lekganyane thanked members for restraining themselves, acknowledging that the situation could provoke strong emotions. He said the committee would seek advice from Parliamentary Legal Services following the witness’s departure.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza expressed deep concern over the actions of O’Sullivan.
She described his walkout from the parliamentary ad hoc committee as “unfortunate.”
The EFF has since opened a criminal case against O’Sullivan last week on Friday following his dramatic exit from the parliamentary inquiry at Cape Town Central Police Station.
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