A committee in South Africa’s Parliament has decided to issue a subpoena to make a forensic investigator appear in person for its inquiry.
The Ad Hoc Committee is looking into claims of corruption in the police and criminal justice system. These claims were made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi in July 2025. Mkhwanazi said criminal groups had entered parts of the government and police.
Paul O’Sullivan, a forensic investigator, was asked to testify. He is linked to past work with police oversight bodies. Some say he had too much influence over groups like the Independent Police Investigative Directorate and the South African Police Service.
O’Sullivan asked to give evidence through a video link. He said he is in London and faces death threats. He also said he would not answer questions from members of certain parties, like the MK Party, EFF, and ActionSA. In emails, he called the Parliament a “criminal parliament” and accused the committee of helping a plot against him.
The committee met on January 19, 2026, and turned down his request.
Chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said O’Sullivan’s words were an insult to Parliament. He plans to send a subpoena to force O’Sullivan to come in person.
ANC MP Mdumiseni Ntuli called the request nonsense. He said O’Sullivan must explain his role in police matters face-to-face. Ntuli added that no one can treat Parliament with such disrespect.
MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo agreed. He said the committee should use all legal steps to bring O’Sullivan there.
O’Sullivan was set to testify on January 21 and 22, 2026. The committee has a deadline of February 20 to finish its work. If he does not return, they will decide next steps.
The inquiry has heard from other police leaders, like former acting commissioner Khomotso Phahlane and Crime Intelligence head Dumisani Khumalo. It aims to check the truth of Mkhwanazi’s claims and their effects.
