Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan is set to appear before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on Tuesday in a highly anticipated session linked to its ongoing probe into alleged corruption within the criminal justice system.
Ahead of his testimony, O’Sullivan rejected the allegations against him, describing his accusers as criminals and suggesting the criticism is part of the risks that come with more than 30 years in investigative work.
He has also accused some commentators within Parliament of crossing the line from scrutiny into defamation, citing claims that he is an international spy as unfounded.
O’Sullivan said he intends to use his appearance to clarify the record and present evidence to the committee, while raising his own concerns about corruption and criminal networks within the justice system.
The investigator will be questioned on allegations that he impersonated an official from the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) and that he was involved in a task team that allegedly plotted against former national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane.
He had initially requested to testify virtually, citing security concerns, but is now expected to appear in person.
However, political analyst Goodenough Mashego has cast doubt on the value of the proceedings, suggesting the testimony may yield little substance.
“I don’t even think today’s inquisition is going to take off given the character of Paul O’Sullivan,” Mashego said. “When you appear before a committee established to investigate something, you cannot set conditions, such as restricting which political parties may question you or asking to appear at a different venue.”
Mashego added that O’Sullivan may avoid providing detailed responses.
“We could see a situation where he refuses to give a lot of information about himself. If parliamentarians bend over backwards to accommodate him, it will be a waste of time. He may simply choose which questions to answer, and we won’t get a clear picture of the allegations,” he said.
The committee’s session is expected to draw significant public and political attention as lawmakers continue efforts to uncover the extent of alleged misconduct within the criminal justice system.