By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan abruptly left Parliament Ad Hoc Committee proceedings earlier to catch a flight shortly before his evidence concluded.
O’Sullivan was back at the Parliament on Thursday to continue giving evidence before the committee investigating allegations of police corruption.
In a dramatic conclusion to O’Sullivan’s evidence on Thursday, the forensic investigator walked out of the committee before concluding answering questions from the evidence leaders.
O’Sullivan had indicated that he had to leave at 1pm to fly back to Johannesburg, but the questions went on for a bit longer.
A frustrated O’Sullivan then stormed out of the meeting, angering MPs.
“I have reached a point now, chairperson, that where I have to go,” said O’Sullivan.
MPs, including the MK Party’s David Skosana and EFF leader Julius Malema, attempted to block his departure. Skosana went as far as physically standing in front of the door to prevent O’Sullivan from leaving.
“We will open a case,” Skosana declared. “This man must not be allowed to leave this country.”
O’Sullivan remained defiant despite the threats of legal action. “I came here of my own free will, and I am leaving,” he told the committee as he was exiting.
The walkout sparked outrage among committee members. The Evidence leader Soviet Lekganyane concluded the session by saying the committee would seek formal legal counsel to determine the next steps.
O’Sullivan’s appearance was followed by former acting Police Commissioner Khomotso Phahlane, who also had unfinished business with the committee.
Phahlane denied any improper relationship with businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala and telling MPs their meeting was incidental, not criminal.
He then accused the committee’s evidence leader Norman Arendse of representing a cabal.
Some members of the committee didn’t take kindly to his utterances and forced him to withdraw unconditionally despite Phahlane indicating that he is standing by them.
“I think I have been very patient, I can’t continue being attacked by the senior counsel in the manner that he is doing I don’t know who is representing.”
Phahlane was dismissed from SAPS in 2020 after a three-year suspension over allegations of corruption and misconduct.
An internal investigation found him guilty of failing to implement a R46 million contract for 360-degree panoramic cameras, resulting in more than R24 million in fruitless and wasteful expenditure.
He unsuccessfully challenged his dismissal at the Safety and Security Sectoral Bargaining Council, the Johannesburg Labour Court and the Labour Appeal Court.