MPs demand Paul O’Sullivan face Ad Hoc Committee in person after alleged insult on Parliament

Ad Hoc Committee Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyan,e sharply criticised Paul O’Sullivan, saying he had gone far beyond a simple virtual appearance request by insulting Parliament, calling it a “criminal Parliament,” and accusing MPs of plotting to kill him.

The committee met on Monday to finalise its programme.

MPs have insisted that O’Sullivan must appear physically before the ad hoc committee investigating corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system, following his request to testify virtually and his alleged attacks on the integrity of Parliament.

“He went on to cast aspersions on MPs and this committee, accusing them of aiding a criminal conspiracy to take his life.

“He even calls them criminals, and I don’t think that is something we can ignore,” Lekganyane said.

“Further, he stated that even if he appeared virtually, he would not recognise members of the MK Party, EFF or ActionSA.”

O’Sullivan, currently in London, cited death threats and his absence from the country as reasons for seeking a virtual appearance.

However, MPs expressed outrage at the suggestion, arguing it undermined Parliament’s authority.

ANC chief whip Mdumiseni Ntuli called O’Sullivan’s behaviour “contemptuous” and unacceptable.

“When I read the e-mails he wrote, it was clear we are dealing with an individual treating Parliament with serious contempt,” Ntuli said.

“We are convinced he must be physically called to the committee to explain his role in the security environment of the SAPS.”

O’Sullivan is central to the committee’s inquiry.

He has been accused of exercising undue influence over the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), with some witnesses alleging he effectively directed the SAPS, Ipid, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Former acting national police commissioner, Lt-Gen Khomotso Phahlane, testified last week that O’Sullivan allegedly collaborated with former Ipid head Robert McBride and a group of journalists to discredit him.

He is also alleged to have sent threatening messages to Cedrick Nkabinde, the police ministry’s chief of staff.

Other MPs emphasised legal measures to compel his presence.

The MK Party (MKP) MP Sibonelo Nomvalo said their position was clear and they will not allow O’Sullivan to do as he pleases.

“We must use every available mechanism to bring him physically before the committee,” he stated.

EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys added that the committee has tolerated O’Sullivan’s conduct for too long.

“It is time to formally summon him and use Parliament’s powers to compel his appearance,” she said.

O’Sullivan was originally scheduled to testify on January 21 and 22. The committee has set a February 20 deadline for his appearance, after which it will determine its next steps.

ANC MP Xola Nqola confirmed that the request for a virtual appearance has been officially declined.

The committee will resume its work on Tuesday.

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