The testimony of O’Sullivan came to a sudden end when, after raising issues of a time crunch, he stood up, gathered his things, and walked out of the proceedings while being questioned by Advocate Bongiwe Mkhize.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/Independent Newspapers
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) was set to open a criminal case against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan at 08:30 on Friday at Cape Town Central Police Station, following his dramatic walkout from a parliamentary inquiry.
In a media alert issued on Friday, the party invited members of the media to attend the laying of charges.
The EFF said the move follows O’Sullivan’s conduct before the Ad Hoc Committee established to consider allegations made by Lt-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“Paul O’Sullivan walked out of the Ad Hoc Committee while still under oath and refused to continue giving evidence while before Parliament,” the party said.
The EFF stated that it regards the conduct as a direct violation of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act, 2004 (Act No. 4 of 2004).
In terms of Section 17 of the Act, any person who refuses to give evidence, fails to remain in attendance, or commits contempt of Parliament may be guilty of an offence. Section 27 provides that a person convicted of such an offence is liable to a fine or imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.
IOL previously reported that O’Sullivan walked out of the committee meeting on Thursday without being excused by the chairperson, abruptly ending his testimony and sparking outrage among Members of Parliament.
At the time, MPs described the move as a direct affront to Parliament’s authority, with some calling for his arrest and for the matter to be referred to law enforcement authorities. The chairperson of the ad hoc committee also indicated that Parliamentary Legal Services would be consulted to determine the appropriate course of action.
The EFF’s decision to approach the police marks a further escalation in the matter, shifting the dispute from internal parliamentary processes to potential criminal proceedings.
It remains unclear whether the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, will pursue parallel contempt proceedings within Parliament, as previously demanded by the EFF, or whether the matter will now be addressed through the criminal justice system.
DAILY NEWS