Forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has asked Parliament’s ad hoc committee investigating police corruption to limit the length of his testimony sessions, citing health concerns.
O’Sullivan, who is giving evidence in person before the committee after weeks of delays, requested that proceedings on Tuesday and Wednesday not extend beyond 7pm.
Addressing committee members, O’Sullivan said he had spent the entire night preparing for his testimony and warned that extended questioning would worsen his medical condition.
“I also have medical issues that need to be dealt with. I’m 70 years old — I’m not the spring chicken that I used to be,” he said. “I have spinal problems and spend a certain amount of my time lying flat. I don’t really want to give evidence lying on a bed. By a certain time today, I will be in a lot of pain.”
O’Sullivan is appearing before the ad hoc committee established to probe allegations of corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
He also confirmed that additional security measures had been put in place during his stay in Cape Town.
“The security team of Parliament are scattered around this room and outside, and the police have provided me with additional escorts,” O’Sullivan said.
His testimony is expected to form a key part of the committee’s investigation into allegations of systemic corruption within SAPS.