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Former IPID head Robert McBride.
Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride is facing serious scrutiny before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, looking into concerns around national security, after MPs accused him of misleading the inquiry about his relationship with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan and his associate, Sarah-Jane Trent.
McBride was probed over evidence suggesting he was in constant communication with Trent and may have shared sensitive information with private individuals.
The confrontation intensified when MPs accused him of contradicting himself on whether IPID relied on private forensic assistance, raising questions about his credibility and conduct before the committee.
ActionSA MP Dereleen James: “…and then you converse about credit details of other citizens of the Republic?”
McBride: “That has been done every day.”
Committee chairperson Molapi Lekganyane: “That is the question the honourable member is asking you.”
McBride: “I don’t remember that specifically, but normally we would ask the DPCI and they’ll find it for us.”
James: “So, why didn’t you ask the DPCI? Why do you go to a private individual to get information from? Earlier you told us SAPS did not have the forensic tools.”
McBride: “Well, that’s what we did afterwards.”
James: “But the fact remains, you lied.”
McBride: “No, I didn’t say SAPS.”
James: “You said you don’t have the forensic expertise and it still falls under SAPS. So you go to a private individual, sir?”
Live stream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slwJaqeAHaU
