Former acting police commissioner Khomotso Phahlane has claimed that journalist Marianne Thamm joined a gathering aimed at orchestrating a smear campaign against him. Daily Maverick has contested the allegation, demanding evidence or a retraction from Parliament's ad hoc committee. The claim surfaced during testimony on 14 January 2026.
In testimony before Parliament's ad hoc committee investigating allegations by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, Khomotso Phahlane, dismissed as acting police commissioner in 2020, alleged on 14 January 2026 that a meeting occurred at the home of investigator Paul O’Sullivan—previously owned by Radovan Krejcir—either late 2016 or early 2017. Phahlane, drawing from an affidavit by police ministry chief of staff Cedrick Nkabinde, described O’Sullivan chairing the event, attended by Robert McBride, Mandlakayise Mahlangu, Nkabinde, Sarah-Jane Trent, a Candice from Crime Intelligence, Shadrack Sibiya, two white male representatives from AfriForum and the DA, a white lady journalist identified as Marianne Thamm, and a black male preparing the braai.
Phahlane implied the gathering's purpose was to plan a smear campaign against him, claiming O’Sullivan and McBride hired journalists including Abram Mashego, Karyn Maughan, Graeme Hosken, Pieter-Louis Myburgh, and repeatedly naming Thamm. He stated knowledge came from a judge-authorized interception of communications involving Trent.
Daily Maverick's legal representative, Charl du Plessis, wrote to committee chair Soviet Lekganyane on 22 January 2026, asserting Thamm never attended and noting ensuing social media abuse against her and her family. Du Plessis urged Lekganyane to seek evidence, such as CCTV footage, from Phahlane, or demand a retraction and apology. On 3 February 2026, portfolio committee content adviser Nicolette van Zyl-Gous acknowledged the letter, confirming it reached Lekganyane. Daily Maverick has sought Phahlane's response and will monitor developments.
