By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The controversial private investigator Paul O’Sullivan has unreservedly apologised to the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee and the South Africans for his abrupt walkout last week, insisting that he did not undermine the institution.
“I unreservedly apologise to the Speaker of the National Assembly and all members of parliament, including, but not limited to, the chairperson and members of the Ad Hoc Committee for departing from the Ad Hoc Committee,” he said.
Members of Parliament wanted him held in contempt of Parliament for his bad behavior.
The Committee sought legal advice on his walkout. It considered a subpoena to compel him to return and complete his testimony.
The committee is investigating allegations of criminal infiltration, corruption, and political interference in the justice system.
Tensions resurfaced during Thursday’s sitting when MK Party MP, Sibonelo Nomvalo, accused O’Sullivan of using his apology to evade accountability.
Nomvalo further insisted that O’Sullivan apologise directly to South Africans, emphasising that Parliament carries the constitutional mandate of the public.
In response, O’Sullivan said he had already submitted a written apology to the committee but stressed that it was not an admission of undermining Parliament.
Committee chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, confirmed that O’Sullivan had submitted the written apology on Wednesday evening, expressing regret for the manner in which he exited the proceedings.
His entire testimony has been marred by countless jaw-dropping moments, and after his testimony, his former personal assistant took the stand and has broken down several times during her testimony.
Sarah-Jane Trent was also unable to answer some questions posed to her by the evidence leader.
After dissolving into tears for the first time, she left the chambers for a few minutes to compose herself. Some MPs questioned her fitness to testify considering her apparent distress.
Meanwhile National Coloured Congress (NCC) leader Fadiel Adams has accused KZN provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi of being a constitutional delinquent.
Adams appeared before Parliament’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday night.
Evidence leader Advocate Maria Mokhoaetsi questioned Adams on his affidavit regarding claims that Mkhwanazi had recommended he be jailed at Pollsmoor Prison, in Tokai, Cape Town, for possessing classified information.
“Yes, Advocate, thank you. It’s such a stigma for people like me to end up in Pollsmoor. But anyway, my opinion is strong,” Adams told the committee.
“I believe General Mkhwanazi is a constitutional delinquent. The man wants me in jail for reporting a crime. He would prefer that I cover up a crime. That’s what he’s saying,” he added.
According to Mkhwanazi, Adams used his position to obtain sensitive information and handled it “recklessly”, including sharing it publicly.
Adams also addressed claims that he had been reckless with sensitive crime intelligence.
“I am not an investigator. If I had tried to investigate this myself, I might have barked up the wrong tree. I gave it to the experts, the SAPS,” Adams said.