In a fiery escalation of political drama, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has demanded the swift arrest of renowned anti-corruption investigator Paul O’Sullivan, accusing him of contempt of Parliament. The call came during a heated National Assembly session on Wednesday, where EFF MP Leigh-Ann Mathys branded O’Sullivan’s recent testimony as “evasive and disrespectful.”
The controversy stems from O’Sullivan’s appearance before the Portfolio Committee on Police last week. Grilled on his investigations into high-profile figures linked to state capture and corruption, O’Sullivan allegedly withheld key documents and dodged questions about alleged threats against officials. “This man treats Parliament like a playground,” Mathys thundered, urging Speaker Thoko Didiza to invoke Section 25 of the Powers and Privileges Act, which criminalizes contempt with penalties up to a year in jail or a R100,000 fine.
EFF leader Julius Malema amplified the rhetoric on social media, posting: “O’Sullivan’s arrogance undermines our democracy. Arrest him now!” Supporters hailed it as a stand against “untouchable elites,” while critics, including the DA, decried it as a witch hunt to silence whistleblowers.
O’Sullivan, known for probing cases like the VBS scandal, dismissed the claims as “politically motivated nonsense” in a brief statement. Parliament’s legal team now weighs options amid rising tensions ahead of the 2026 elections.
As South Africa grapples with corruption fatigue, this clash highlights the fragile line between accountability and power plays. Will O’Sullivan face cuffs, or is this EFF bluster?