EFF lays criminal charge against O’Sullivan

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) opened a criminal case against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan at Cape Town Central Police Station on Friday. This follows O’Sullivan’s dramatic walkout on Thursday during cross examination before the Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations of corruption, criminality and political interference within the South African Police. O’Sullivan refused to continue with his testimony, saying he needed to leave to avoid missing his flight.

In a statement, the EFF described O’Sullivan’s conduct as a direct violation of the Powers, Privileges and Immunities of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act of 2004. The party argued that any person who refuses to give evidence, fails to remain in attendance or commits contempt of Parliament may be guilty of an offence. The EFF will be pursuing through Parliament, the Office of the Speaker and additionally explore our own legal options to compel O’Sullivan to appear before Parliament and account for allegations made against him.

“O’Sullivan must be considered as a fugitive and a dangerous one who through his own admissions has an aircraft, multiple passports and can flee South Africa in order to avoid justice and accountability,” reads the statement. The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party had also condemned O’Sullivan’s actions calling for his immediate arrest and describing his departure from the committee as interference with Parliament’s oversight role. MK Party spokesperson, Nhlamulo Ndhlela said O’Sullivan’s actions undermine the authority, dignity and integrity of the institution tasked with safeguarding the interests of the people of South Africa.

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Such actions cannot and will not be tolerated. His conduct displays a direct and very calculated interference with Parliament’s constitutional oversight duties. It is unheard of for a witness summoned before a Parliamentary Committee to evade scrutiny in such a contemptuous manner.

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