EFF leader Julius Malema questioned forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan during his testimony before a parliamentary ad hoc committee on Tuesday over his decision to settle in South Africa during the apartheid era.
O’Sullivan, who holds multiple citizenships, told the committee he developed an affection for the country after visits in the 1980s, citing its climate among other reasons.
Malema challenged this explanation, pointing out that the 1980s were marked by intense political violence, states of emergency, and widespread human rights abuses. He found it “unbelievable” that O’Sullivan could have been unaware of the turmoil.
“You call the bodies on the floor of our people weather,” Malema said.
O’Sullivan clarified that he applied for citizenship in 1994 and received it in 1995, after the democratic transition.
Malema also questioned O’Sullivan about his service as a police reservist and his recollection of his commanding officer’s name. O’Sullivan responded that he did not know whether the officer was still alive, not that he had forgotten the name.
O’Sullivan’s testimony continues as the committee examines allegations of corruption, political interference, and systemic failures within South Africa’s criminal justice and security structures.