An email allegedly sent by anti-corruption activist and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan has emerged during proceedings at the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission is investigating alleged irregular appointments within SAPS Crime Intelligence.
IDAC senior investigator Mantsha Raphesu testified that O’Sullivan sent the email on 5 January 2025. He addressed it to Brigadier Mokwele and claimed that her appointment to SAPS Crime Intelligence was unlawful.
The email was also copied to Andrea Johnson, Shadrack Sibiya, and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
O’Sullivan demanded action within 14 days
According to documents presented at the inquiry, O’Sullivan gave Brigadier Mokwele 14 days to comply with several demands.
He requested all documents linked to her appointment. He also asked for the names of the officials who facilitated it.
In addition, he demanded that she resign from the South African Police Service immediately. He further claimed that she should return all salary payments received from what he described as an unlawful appointment.
Finally, he instructed her to confirm her resignation by replying to the email.
Warning of further action
The email warned that failure to comply would lead to further action. O’Sullivan also urged Mokwele to return to her previous employer, BMW, and claimed that she had engaged in a corrupt practice.
Forensics for Justice mentioned
O’Sullivan referred to Forensics for Justice, the organisation he founded. He claimed that the organisation had helped expose senior police officials and had contributed to the removal of police commissioners and generals.
The commission admitted the email as part of its investigation into alleged corruption and irregular appointments within SAPS Crime Intelligence.
Inquiry still under way
The Madlanga Commission continues to hear evidence from investigators and other witnesses. The inquiry is examining allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and irregular appointments in the police intelligence environment.
However, the commission has not made any finding on the allegations contained in O’Sullivan’s email. The hearings are expected to continue as more witnesses testify.
