By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Caption: Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan testifies before the parliamentary ad hoc committee inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference in the criminal justice system. (Image: Brenton Geach).
The controversial private investigator Paul O’Sullivan has agreed to return to Parliament Adhoc Committee on Thurday, 05 March 2026 to conclude his testimony.
O’Sullivan’s appearance has been marked by several heated exchanges with MPs, most notably with MK Party MP David Skosana, who accused the investigator of being a “spy, a conman, and a thief”.
The session took an unexpected turn during the final stages of the evidence leader’s questioning. As the leader began wrapping up, O’Sullivan started packing his bags and headed for the exit.
The move sparked an immediate confrontation on the floor, with committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane announcing the committee would seek formal legal advice to determine the next steps.
Shortly after the incident, Lekganyane met with National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza. The speaker requested an urgent report detailing the day’s events, specifically the circumstances surrounding the witness’s unauthorised walkout.
Lekganyane later returned to the committee to determine whether members wanted O’Sullivan to return and properly conclude his testimony.
The committee reached a consensus to bring O’Sullivan back. However, O’Sullivan defended his decision saying he had a plane to catch.
According to O’Sullivan, it had been agreed that he would appear before the committee until 1pm as he needed to catch a 3.15pm flight to Johannesburg.
On Monday, the ad hoc committee during its housekeeping meeting received update on O’Sullivan’s walkout and its legal options.
Andile Tetyana from Parliament’s Legal Services said, “The Secretary will recall that on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after O’Sullivan walked out of the committee proceedings without permission and in violation of the rules of the National Assembly and the Cause of Privileges Act, you asked committee members whether it was their wish for O’Sullivan to return and complete his evidence,” Tetyana said.
“The committee resolved that O’Sullivan must return and conclude his evidence, as he was still under examination when he walked out.”
Tetyana added, “We can confirm that on Friday, February 27, 2026, we sent correspondence to O’Sullivan inviting him to appear before the committee on Thursday, March 5, 2026, as he was still under examination when he decided to abandon proceedings without the Treasurer’s permission.”
But O’Sullivan has since agreed to come back voluntarily.
Evidence leader Norman Arendse explained: “In relation to O’Sullivan himself, he has confirmed that he will be in attendance on Thursday to conclude the questioning by advocate Bongiwe Mkhize. Think she had two or three questions lefts.”
The committee which runs concurrently with Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is investigating allegations of corruption in the South Africa’s criminal justice system.