Ad Hoc Committee now under extreme time constraints: Lekganyane

The Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and interference in the criminal justice system enters a decisive phase this week, with just 10 days left to conclude its hearings.

At the centre of the committee’s programme is controversial private investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, whose appearance is pencilled in for Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, with uncertainty around his availability, the committee has made it clear it cannot afford to lose any time.

Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane says the coming days are critical, warning that the committee is now operating under extreme time pressure.

With uncertainty around whether O’Sullivan will be available to testify, the committee says it has made contingency plans to ensure no time is lost.

“So next week, Tuesday, we had planned to feature Mr Paul O’Sullivan. It’s Tuesday and Wednesday, and we had said it’s our decision that in the event we are not able to get him on those days, there should be other activities happening,” adds Lekganyane.

Lekganyane has also warned that the committee is now racing against time, with just days left to finalise its work.

He says every sitting from this week onwards is critical.

“From next week Monday, the committee will be left with exactly 10 days to conclude the hearings. We no longer have time on our side. We must not miss those two days next week. Those days must be used optimally.”

The committee says a final decision on whether O’Sullivan will testify on Tuesday and Wednesday is expected by close of business on Monday, failing which the hearings will proceed with public submissions and civil society organisations.

He has indicated that he will not testify before it unless he is allowed to do so virtually.

O’Sullivan says he left South Africa on pre-planned business trips to Cyprus, Ireland, the UK and France, and insists that he will not be in the country until the end of February.

Ad Hoc Committee | O’Sullivan insists he will not appear in person: Prof Nirmala Gopal weighs in: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZdpxAU9idk

-Report by Mkhokheli Bandla