Overview
- Members pressed Robert McBride on evidence of frequent contact with Paul O’Sullivan’s associate Sarah‑Jane Trent and alleged sharing of sensitive data, accusing him of contradicting earlier statements.
- McBride rejected claims that O’Sullivan directed Ipid, saying he was only one of several information sources and that any overreach was checked.
- The Ad Hoc Committee moved to compel O’Sullivan to appear in person after rejecting his request to testify virtually and his attempt to exclude engagement with certain parties.
- Proceedings grew heated as McBride told an MP to “watch it,” drew rebukes for hostility, and faced criticism for submitting an outdated CV while citing the National Strategic Intelligence Act to withhold current job details.
- Testimony included allegations that Crime Intelligence tried to recruit Ipid investigators and renewed focus on the murder of Ipid investigator Mandla Mahlangu, while McBride defended probes into Khomotso Phahlane, said Shadrack Sibiya was wrongly implicated, and urged stronger independence for Ipid.