Private investigator Paul O’Sullivan pushed back at ActionSA MP Dereleen James in response to claims that his investigations aim to overthrow the government.
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“I think you've been watching too much TV.” That’s how controversial private investigator Paul O’Sullivan pushed back at ActionSA MP Dereleen James in response to claims that his investigations aim to overthrow the government.
James had argued that O’Sullivan often targets senior government officials and institutions in his corruption investigations.
The exchange took place on Thursday at a parliamentary ad hoc committee on investigating allegations that criminal networks may have infiltrated South Africa’s criminal justice system.
O’Sullivan was called to testify because of his involvement in investigations into corruption and law-enforcement matters.
His appearance follows a previous session last week, which he left abruptly, saying that he had to catch a plane.
During the proceedings, James questioned O’Sullivan about a book launch he hosted at a former home of convicted serial killer and drug kingpin Radovan Krejčíř.
The gathering, described by O’Sullivan as a braai, also included former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride, suspended deputy national police commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, and several other officials.
O’Sullivan previously clarified that Sibiya was no longer with the police at the time, working instead for the City of Johannesburg, and that Cedric Nkabinde, chief of staff to Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, was not invited but “turned up” regardless.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan told Parliament has come under fire from MPs over corruption allegations.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
He denied that members of the DA or AfriForum were present, calling such claims “fabricated.”
“The house in question is owned by a company, and I asked the owner if we could use it. Radovan Krejčíř used to live there,” O’Sullivan said.
Krejčíř, notorious for criminal activity in South Africa and abroad, was convicted of kidnapping and attempted murder in South Africa in 2015 and sentenced to 35 years.
In the Czech Republic, he was sentenced in absentia to 15 years for fraud, tax evasion, and plotting to murder a customs official.
James alleged O’Sullivan initially admitted knowing the property owner but later changed his version, accusing him of lying under oath and questioning his motives for being in South Africa during the apartheid era.
She also claimed the braai was held as a “top secret” event, which O’Sullivan vehemently denied.
“Looking back at your reason and purpose for coming into this country, your guests were from every forum. You labelled that meeting as top secret,” James said.
She accused him of targeting ministers and heads of state organisations, including former police ministers Nathi Mthethwa and Fikile Mbalula, as well as former National Commissioner Jackie Selebi.
James claimed O’Sullivan intended to overthrow the government.
O’Sullivan dismissed the allegations. “With due respect, I think you've been watching too much TV,” he said.
James insisted he had lied repeatedly, including over his need for membership with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority (PSIRA).
O’Sullivan explained that as a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), he is not required to belong to PSIRA, though he has maintained his membership since youth in case he engages in security company activities.
He described the ACFE, an American association, as a self-governing organisation rather than a regulatory authority in South Africa.
“The reality is that there’s an agreement between ACFE and the minister that makes it clear that if you’re a certified fraud examiner, you do not have to belong to PSIRA,” he said.
James countered that O’Sullivan had to comply with South African regulations when he entered the country, which he affirmed he did. She pointed to his company, O’Sullivan, Brosman & Associates, registered in 2012, as evidence of his activity in the security field.
“No, that’s when the company was formed, and I registered it because from time to time, I get asked to give security advice. That’s the only reason,” O’Sullivan responded.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has revealed that he donated to ActionSA when it was established.
Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers
O’Sullivan revealed he donated to ActionSA when it was formed in support of party president Herman Mashaba, but denied any allegations of corruption from party members.
He did not disclose the amount donated.
He was responding to Patriotic Alliance MP Ashley Sauls, who asked him if he still considers Mashaba and his wife Connie personal friends, though not political allies.
He dismissed claims that the party sought to portray him as corrupt as a “false narrative.”
“If somebody wants to paint a picture, and I point out that someone they support may be engaged in criminal conduct, the only way they can retaliate is to accuse me of criminal activity,” he said.
He also denied receiving funds from the controversial Crime Intelligence Secret Services Account, known as the Slush Fund.
James previously presented documents suggesting that he received R100,000 in 2007 linked to the Radovan Krejcir case.
O’Sullivan clarified that the money came from the now-defunct Scorpions unit as reimbursement for expenses while providing security for a witness and using his aircraft on official duties, adding the total expenditure exceeded R500,000.
“The honourable member is wrong when she says I lied about receiving money from the Slush Fund,” he said.
Under-fire forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has been accused of bullying prosecutors and police officers.
Image: Picture Henk Kruger / Independent Newspapers
O’Sullivan faced accusations from ANC MP Xola Nqola that he bullied prosecutors and police officials.
Nqola referenced emails and messages O’Sullivan allegedly sent to former NPA prosecutor Michael Mashuga and Cedric Nkabinde, describing them as threatening.
O’Sullivan defended his conduct as a response to unlawful actions by the criminal justice system during the state capture era.
He claimed he had been forcibly detained, assaulted, and tried in multiple “trumped-up” cases, four of which he was acquitted.
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DA MP Damien Klopper acknowledged O’Sullivan’s long career and anti-corruption work but criticised the tone of his emails.
Klopper said some correspondence contained threats and personal attacks that could undermine his credibility, despite the validity of his investigations.
“Passion for justice cannot replace discipline in behaviour, in the language you choose to use and in how you approach people,” Klopper said.
O’Sullivan defended his actions, saying confronting dangerous individuals sometimes required appearing tougher than he was.
Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan told Parliament’s ad hoc committee that he moved his family overseas for their protection, fearing that they could be killed.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
“When you’re fighting evil, sometimes you have to put on a cloak to make yourself look much tougher than you are,” he said.
He also said he relocated his family overseas for their safety.
“If my conduct is seen as bullying, it was a response to the outrageous conduct of prosecutors and police officials who acted unlawfully as part of this state capture project,” he said.
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The hearing also addressed a dispute with uMkhonto weSizwe Party MP David Skosana, who denied O’Sullivan’s claim that he owed R642,000 to a bank.
Skosana said the debt had already been settled and demanded O’Sullivan retract the statement.
“He made some allegations about me that I must pay my debt at the bank… I have proof that the money was paid,” Skosana said.
O’Sullivan had previously apologised for leaving last week’s committee session abruptly, and sent a formal letter of apology to the Speaker and committee members.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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