Overview
- Testifying to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, Paul O’Sullivan said he funded Robert McBride’s legal costs to help “uncapture” law enforcement and get the Ipid boss back to work.
- O’Sullivan argued senior police and prosecutorial leadership could not be trusted to fight corruption, presenting his payment as support for reform rather than unlawful benefit.
- Former senior prosecutor Molatlhwa Mashuga previously told the committee that O’Sullivan and Sarah‑Jane Trent infiltrated Ipid, impersonated officials, drafted witness statements, and threatened witnesses during the Phahlane probe.
- Mashuga contended the R200,000 constituted unlawful gratification under anti‑corruption law, while O’Sullivan has denied improperly steering Ipid investigations.
- The 2017 case against O’Sullivan, Trent and two Ipid officers was later struck off the roll after delays, with the NPA citing insufficient evidence for racketeering charges that required NDPP authorisation; the committee continues with further witness testimony.