Members of Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee on national security concerns rejected private investigator Paul O’Sullivan’s apology for walking out of a hearing. ANC MP Xola Nqola and EFF leader Julius Malema led the criticism, calling it damage control and contempt of Parliament. The committee also paused proceedings when O’Sullivan’s assistant, Sarah-Jane Trent, became emotional during questioning.
On March 5, 2026, Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee investigating national security issues resumed its session with private investigator Paul O’Sullivan returning after walking out the previous week. During that earlier appearance, O’Sullivan stated he needed to catch a flight, but in his subsequent written apology, he attributed his departure to severe back pain.
Several committee members dismissed the apology. ANC MP Xola Nqola described it as “damage control for the mess you caused for yourself” and asserted that O’Sullivan was “in contempt of Parliament and you must suffer the consequences of your actions.” EFF leader Julius Malema echoed this rejection, stating, “If this Parliament won’t act on you … no one must ever, ever come to this Parly and behave like you do. EFF rejects your apology.”
The hearing also involved Sarah-Jane Trent, O’Sullivan’s assistant, who faced questions about allegations that she and O’Sullivan had acted as officials of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) without authorization. Trent, appearing nervous, could not identify any provision in the IPID Act permitting private fraud investigators to assist with official investigations. When she burst into tears, Nqola proposed a short break, noting, “There is nowhere in the act where it talks about assistance, as you allege … but I think we must implore you to calm down … I’m worried you are nervous and it makes it difficult to get. Chair, can we get five minutes to calm down.” The committee adjourned briefly to allow her to compose herself.
O’Sullivan and Trent have been accused of overstepping their roles in police investigations, prompting the committee’s scrutiny.
