Overview
- The ad hoc committee ordered Paul O’Sullivan to complete his testimony on March 5 and set a midday Monday deadline to confirm attendance or face a formal summons.
- Parliament’s legal services said the Speaker holds issuing authority for a summons, and a request for concurrence has been prepared for signatures by the Speaker and the committee chair if he does not comply.
- A legal opinion to the committee found O’Sullivan flouted parliamentary rules and the inquiry’s terms of reference by leaving before his examination concluded, impeding the committee’s work.
- The EFF opened a criminal case alleging an offence under the Powers, Privileges and Immunities Act, which carries potential penalties of a fine or up to 12 months’ imprisonment.
- O’Sullivan left while still under questioning after saying he needed to catch a flight, and the committee is probing allegations raised by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.