Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) head Robert McBride has admitted to using the services of private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan during his tenure. McBride faced questioning from members of parliament’s ad hoc committee on Wednesday, after the conclusion of his initial testimony on Tuesday. The committee is investigating allegations of corruption in the criminal justice system, sparked by claims from KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
In previous testimony, Mkhwanazi alleged that O’Sullivan held undue influence over Ipid. He claimed O’Sullivan held secret meetings with McBride and “controlled” the directorate, wielding significant power over its operations. On two occasions, I thought he was overstepping the line, and I brought him to order ANC MP Thokozile Sokanyile questioned McBride about this.
McBride admitted to two specific instances where O’Sullivan attempted to interfere in active investigations. “On two occasions, I thought he was overstepping the line, and I brought him to order,” McBride said. “He attempted to [interfere], but I stopped him right there and told him that it was not his business.” McBride recalled one occasion involving information about [Maj-Gen Ntebo “Jan”] Mabula’s team.
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O’Sullivan apparently had inside knowledge regarding the potential arrest of Ipid members and pressured the directorate to act. “He indicated that we already had enough evidence to arrest them and that we should proceed. I told him that we follow the evidence until we are certain of a case, and until the prosecuting authority is also sure,” McBride explained.
McBride noted that O’Sullivan frequently provided information on other matters, such as criminal syndicates and drug cartels. “Paul indicated he had a document to share, which was his analysis of syndicates operating in South Africa and how they involved the police.”
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