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FILE | Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan.
uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) says it is not aware of special security arrangements that have been made to accommodate Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan’s appearance at Parliament’s Ad Hoc committee on Tuesday.
However, committee said O’Sullivan has been assured of top security arrangements.
The committee is probing allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system.
O’Sullivan initially insisted on appearing before the committee virtually, citing security concerns.
The committee will question him on allegations that he impersonated an official from Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) and that he was part of a task team that plotted against former National Police Commissioner Kgomotso Phalane.
MKP Committee Member Sibonelo Nomvalo says, “As far as we know the arrangements that have been made are arrangements that have always been made available since we started to do the work of Parliament.
“There is security which is there in Parliament. Our belief is that the standard is going to be the same, nothing that has been presented suggesting that a different approach has been applied.”
Nomvalo adds, “Paul O’Sullivan is not the first witness we’re going to interview, I think we’ve had many witnesses that we’ve interviewed and it will depend on his attitude, if he comes with arrogance, we’re just going to nip it in the bud, we’re not going to tolerate it, we’ll put him in his place.”
‘O’Sullivan is not coming there as an enemy’
The African National Congress (ANC) says it will not be abrasive to O’Sullivan during his appearance. ANC Chief Whip and Committee Member Mdumiseni Ntuli has given the assurance that he will not be treated as an enemy of the committee during his appearance.
Ntuli says, “When we invite somebody to appear before us as a witness, we’re not inviting a person whom we’ve already found guilty, we’re not inviting a person who is the enemy of Parliament or the enemy of the people of South Africa.”
“We are engaged in an exercise of searching the truth, to understand exactly what is happening in the criminal justice system and so that we can be in a better position to determine what kinds of actions are required to remedy the kind of a crisis we’re confronted with.”
He adds, “So, Mr O’Sullivan is not coming there as an enemy of the Ad Hoc Committee or the people of South Africa, he’s coming there as a witness. How he conducts himself as well is going to determine the response that he’s going to receive from members of Parliament.”
VIDEO | In conversation with Ntuli:
BROWN MOGOTSI
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza says she is pleased that O’Sullivan will appear before the committee physically.
Didiza says she also welcomes the committee’s continued engagements in seeking the physical appearance of North West businessman Brown Mogotsi.
Mogotsi requested to testify virtually, citing security concerns on his life.
Parliamentary Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says, “The speaker is pleased that this approach has resulted in one of these witnesses availing himself to appear visually before the Ad Hoc Committee to testify from Tuesday without the need for summons to be issued.”
“The speaker understands that engagements are continuing with another witness Mr Mogotsi and should further engagements should not yield the necessary outcomes, the speaker will be advised by the Ad Hoc cCommittee so that the issuing of the summons may be considered.”
Mothapo adds, “The issuing of summons is a serious legal measure and must remain in act of the last resort. It is not something that can be invoked as lightly without meeting the strict legal requirements prescribed by the law.”
VIDEO | O’Sullivan to testify in-person:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-300tzH5eI
EXTENSION
The committee says it will approach Didiza’s office for a third extension. It has already been granted two extensions. Its original deadline was the end of October last year and the latest deadline is February 20.
Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane says due to the work of Parliament such as the opening of Parliament on Thursday and the tabling of the national budget later this month, the committee needs more days to complete its witness list as well as finalising its report.
Lekganyane says, “The proposal on time table, overwhelmingly agree that there should be an extension, which we will write to office of Speaker to request of extension and we will include witnesses proposed.”
-Additional reporting by Bontle Motsoatsoe and Abongwe Kobokana.
