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The Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption and political interference in the country’s criminal justice system under way at Parliament in Cape Town.
Some members of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee looking into concerns of national security rejected the apology of the private investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, for walking out of the committee last week.
As he walked out, he told MPs that he needed to catch a flight.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOb4AN7Wffw
However, in his written apology to the committee, he advanced severe back pain as the reason why he had to leave.
ANC MP Xola Nqola and EFF leader Julius Malema were among those who did not accept his apology.
“This apology is damage control for the mess you caused for yourself. We think you’re in contempt of Parliament and you must suffer the consequences of your actions,” says Nqola.
Malema says the EFF is also rejecting the apology.
“If this Parliament won’t act on you … no one must ever, ever come to this Parly and behave like you do. EFF rejects your apology,” says Malema.
Earlier, the committee adjourned for a short time to allow for the witness before it, Sarah-Jane Trent, to compose herself.
@sabcnews O’Sullivan’s fmr assistant Sarah-Jane Trent breaks down during testimony. #sabcnews #southafrica #sabc #following #committee#fyp #sabcnewsonline ♬ original sound – SABC News
She is the assistant of private investigator, Paul O’Sullivan. The two of them have been accused of working as Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) officials when they had no authority to do so.
A visibly nervous Trent could not point MPs in the direction of a provision in the IPID Act that, according to her, allows IPID to ask private fraud investigators to assist with investigations.
Nqola suggested that the committee take a short break, after Trent burst out in tears.
“There is nowhere in the act where it talks about assistance, as you allege … but I think we must implore you to calm down … I’m worried you are nervous and it makes it difficult to get. Chair, can we get five minutes to calm down,” said Nqola.
Paul O’Sullivan back before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee | 05 March 2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opy-LMhYFgY
