Ad Hoc Committee Considers Next Steps on Summoning Key Witnesses, After Speaker Advises Caution

The Ad Hoc Committee established to investigate allegations made by the South African Police Service's (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, yesterday received an update on its request to subpoena Mr Paul O'Sullivan and Mr Brown Mogotsi to appear in person before the committee.

Several political parties represented on the multiparty committee expressed dissatisfaction with the caution raised by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Thoko Didiza, who advised the committee to further interrogate its processes before proceeding with the summoning of the two witnesses.

In a letter to the committee, Ms Didiza stated that she had not been provided with sufficient evidence demonstrating that the committee had adequately considered and addressed the security concerns raised by Mr O'Sullivan, a forensic investigator, and Mr Mogotsi. Both individuals have refused to appear in person before the committee, citing security concerns.

Mr Mogotsi has further insisted that Parliament pay for his private security, rejecting the offer to use Parliamentary Protection Services, on the grounds that he has already survived an attempt on his life. The Speaker further noted that she is not expressing a view on the veracity of these claims, but there are issues the committee should take cognisance of in engaging with Mr Mogotsi's request.

Members from the African National Congress (ANC), uMkhonto weSizwe Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters also criticised Parliament's legal advisors, arguing that their failure to provide adequate evidence to the Speaker undermined efforts to persuade her to approve the summons.

In her correspondence, Ms Didiza further warned that a court could rule it irrational for the committee to reject a virtual appearance by Mr O'Sullivan, who is currently in the United Kingdom, including his proposal to testify from a South African embassy.

Committee member Ms Khusela Sangoni expressed the ANC's disappointment with the developments, suggesting that the committee had not received sound legal advice.

Another committee member, Mr Julius Malema, alleged that there may be more serious issues at play. "The reluctance to summon Paul O'Sullivan and Brown Mogotsi raises serious suspicions that we are dealing with something bigger than what we initially thought," he said. He further alleged that all indications are that Mr Mogotsi orchestrated the attempt on his life himself.

Committee member Mr Sibonelo Nomvalo supported Ms Sangoni's remarks, stating: "There is no aspect that we overlooked. This suggests that our legal team failed to properly persuade or present the facts." He added that the Speaker's letter did not address Mr O'Sullivan's position that, even if he were to appear virtually, he would not engage with or recognise three political parties represented on the committee.

Only committee member Mr Ian Cameron indicated his willingness to accept a virtual appearance. Meanwhile, Freedom Front Plus Member Mr Wouter Wessels warned that the matter could be subjected to a legal challenge, which may delay the committee's work.

The committee resolved that its legal advisors must formally respond to the security concerns raised by Mr O'Sullivan and Mr Mogotsi by outlining the security measures Parliament can provide for an in-person appearance. The committee further resolved to again request the Speaker to issue summonses for the two witnesses.

The committee also received a briefing on its tight timeline to conclude public participation, hear remaining witnesses and finalise its report. Presenting the draft programme, Committee Secretary Mr Vhonani Ramaano informed members that three key matters remain outstanding: the conclusion of public participation, final engagements with witnesses, and the committee's deliberations and adoption of its report.

Mr Ramaano reiterated that the committee is expected to finalise and adopt its report on or before 20 February 2026. He added that four witnesses were scheduled to appear today, noting that two had formally requested anonymity. "Members will recall that the Chairperson indicated that there is a member of the public who requested that their name not be disclosed," he said, explaining why the programme refers to "Anonymous 1" and "Anonymous 2". While the witnesses will remain anonymous prior to their testimony for security reasons while travelling, they will testify in an open meeting.

According to Mr Ramaano, the committee is due to hear evidence tomorrow from a police officer, Mr Samuel Ramalepe, who will appear alongside two colleagues from SAPS. The committee will also recall former acting SAPS National Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Khomotso Phahlane, who did not conclude his testimony previously.

Next week, the committee is expected to hear evidence from two Members of Parliament, Ms Dianne Kohler Barnard and Mr Fadiel Adams. No date has yet been set for the appearances of Mr O'Sullivan and Mr Mogotsi.

Rajaa Azzakani
3 February 2026