O’Sullivan’s conditional testimony sparks uproar in ad hoc committee

The Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee heard a heated exchange between the private investigator Paul O’Sullivan and Members of Parliament – after he told the commission that while he had taken an oath to tell the truth, he was not obliged to answer every question if doing so could place his family at risk.

The remarks drew a sharp response from MPs, who expressed dissatisfaction and demanded that O’Sullivan amend or clarify his statement.

MPs pushed for fuller cooperation, including answers about his time in South Africa during and before 1990, while O’Sullivan maintained that security concerns and the safety of his family limit how far he is willing to go in his testimony.

O’Sullivan has denied allegations of being a spy. He’s faced several allegations, including accusations of impersonation and involvement, in a plot against former acting Police Commissioner, Khomotso Phahlane.

He’s also been accused of undue influence over the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), the South African Police Services (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Responding to questions by evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse, O’Sullivan told the committee that he holds citizenship to Ireland, Britain and South Africa.

Arendse: “A question had been posed or asked whether the reason why you hold citizenship of three countries is because you are or might be a foreign agent or doing work for foreign entities, countries.”

O’Sullivan: “I think with all due respect chairman, I’ve been in this country for 40 years and I can categorically state that I have not performed any foreign agent activities in that 40 years. And in fact, my loyalty is to South Africa.”

AD HOC COMMITTEE | Paul O’Sullivan says he has never acted as a foreign agent in this country, and his company has never received foreign funding. pic.twitter.com/OXfffaGFOl

— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 10, 2026