Paul O’Sullivan insists Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and SAPS commissioner Fannie Masemola belong in prison
Police Minister Firoz Cachalia, with national police commissioner General Fannie Masemola, and KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan on Tuesday described Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner, General Fannie Masemola, the national police commissioner, and Lieutenant-General Dumisani Khumalo, the head of Crime Intelligence, as “rogue”, accusing them of criminal conduct warranting imprisonment.
O'Sullivan interacted with journalists before 9 am as he walked into the Parliament precinct in Cape Town where he is scheduled to testify before the ad hoc committee probing alleged corruption and interference within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
“Whatever happens, happens. The rogue elements in the police are a problem that has been in the country for more than 20 years, if I go back to (former SAPS commissioner) Jackie Selebi. Fifteen generals and 18 brigadiers are facing criminal charges because of the investigations that I have done.," said O'Sullivan.
“Now we have a couple of rogue generals, like Khumalo, Mkhwanazi, Masemola. The three of them, the gang of three, they all belong in prison. Hopefully, after I give my evidence, they will start seeing that,” he said.
O’Sullivan is appearing before Parliament’s ad hoc committee established to investigate allegations of interference, corruption and misconduct within SAPS, including claims that senior officials undermined investigations and protected criminal networks.
O’Sullivan confirmed to IOL that he returned to South Africa earlier than planned from London after learning that Parliament’s ad hoc committee is expected to conclude its work next week, saying it was important to place evidence before Members of Parliament rather than allow what he described as false narratives to go unchallenged.
His testimony follows days of controversy after he initially sought to testify virtually while abroad, a request the committee declined.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan to testify before Parliament’s inquiry
Image: Itumeleng English
He previously cited concerns for his personal safety after other witnesses made allegations against him during committee proceedings. O’Sullivan told IOL that security around his appearance had since been beefed up, but declined to discuss the finer details.
Parliamentary sources told The Star that arrangements had been made to ensure that O’Sullivan could testify safely and without disruption, including heightened security and controlled access to the committee venue.
The committee has heard evidence from a range of witnesses and is expected to continue hearings before compiling a report and recommendations to Parliament on systemic failures within the police service.
O’Sullivan told IOL that security arrangements around his appearance have since been beefed up, but said he would not discuss the finer details.
The ad hoc committee was established by Parliament to probe allegations of interference, corruption and misconduct within SAPS, and to identify systemic failures and make recommendations aimed at restoring the integrity of the police service.
O’Sullivan has previously dismissed accusations by some witnesses who appeared before the ad hoc committee that he infiltrated the Independent Police Investigative Directorate or exerted improper influence within law enforcement structures, describing the claims as false and defamatory.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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