WATCH | Paul O’Sullivan disputes accusation about R100,000 payment

Private investigator Paul O’Sullivanhas denied receiving R100,000 from the crime intelligence slush fund, saying the money came from the then-Directorate of Special Operations (DSO), known as the Scorpions fund, in 2006. Testifying beforeparliament’s ad hoc committeeon Wednesday, O’Sullivan said the money was a refund for expenses he had incurred for additional security arrangements for a witness who feared for his life. His comments came after ActionSA MP Dereleen James presented the committee with documents showing O’Sullivan’s application for the R100,000, which she said he had received.

James began by saying that O’Sullivan had described the slush fund as “the root of all evil” and “manna from heaven for criminals”, to which he agreed. She also said that, according to O’Sullivan, theft and abuse of this fund had been prevalent for 20 years. ActionSA MP Dereleen James arrived at the ad hoc committee with what she described as “receipts”, alleging Paul O’Sullivan received R100K from the crime intelligence slush fund in 2007.pic.twitter.com/JHmy1orf53 READ|Ten things you need to know about Paul O’Sullivan’s first day at the ad hoc committee “Are you therefore saying that since 2006, the slush fund has operated as a vehicle for corruption and theft financed by South African taxpayers?” James asked.

Responding, O’Sullivan said: “Well, the slush fund is taxpayers’ funding.” James added that O’Sullivan had also pointed out that the extreme secrecy surrounding the fund was one of its primary weaknesses. “Is it your testimony that this veil of secrecy has enabled and encouraged ongoing abuse of the slush fund for illegal activities?” James asked again.