Paul O’Sullivan abandons testimony, walks out of ad hoc committee (VIDEO)

Paul O’Sullivan testifies before Parliament’s ad hoc committee at the Good Hope Chamber in Cape Town on 10 February 2026. Picture: Gallo Images / Brenton Geach Proceedings at Parliament’s ad hoc committee erupted into chaos on Thursday when forensic expert Paul O’Sullivan abruptly left during his testimony. O’Sullivan had returned to complete his evidence as part of the committee’s inquiry investigating allegations of corruption, criminal infiltration and political interference within South Africa’s justice system.

The tension peaked as O’Sullivan, originally expected to testify until 1pm, faced further accusations suggesting he might be aspy or foreign agent. As the scheduled end time approached, O’Sullivan said he needed to leave for a flight to Johannesburg. “I have reached a point chairman, where I have to go,” he told MPs.

EFF leader Julius Malema immediately intervened, warning that O’Sullivan could not simply walk out on Parliament. MK party MP David Skosana drew parallels to a high-profile incident in December 2025, when former National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) Shamila Batohi walked out of the Nkabinde inquiry into Gauteng Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Andrew Chauke’s fitness to hold office. “It cannot be allowed.

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He is doing the same thing as Batohi. “You can’t leave here, you are appearing before us. We don’t care about your flight,” Skosana said.

Paul O’Sullivan just walked out of parliament! He’s showing them who’s the boss. I wouldn’t be surprised if Paul is running this country#AdHocCommitteepic.twitter.com/hE9jJ3jLt2

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