O’Sullivan cries for Mkhwanazi’s uniform amid explosive allegations 

Mathipa Phishego  

During a live interview on Newzroom Afrika on Sunday, 6 July, renowned forensic consultant Paul O’Sullivan did not hold back when he called for the immediate removal of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing him of undermining the stability of South Africa’s police leadership.  

O’Sullivan said, “I want to see that man fall, the sooner the better.”  

Mkhwanazi made explosive claims at a media briefing, accusing senior government officials of interfering. 

O’Sullivan, who is well-known for his anti-corruption advocacy. Questioned Mkhwanazi’s motivations and criticised the way he went public with his claims 

Calling the commissioner’s briefing, in which Mkhwanazi wore Special Task Force fatigues and was flanked by armed officers. An alarming display that could be interpreted as a threat to constitutional order.  

“Earlier this year, more than 120  

case dockets were removed, compromising investigations into politically linked murders in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng,” the commissioner said. Stressing that investigations into politically linked murders were compromised. 

Although O’Sullivan did not explicitly accuse Mkhwanazi of planning a coup, some viewers took his comments to mean that. But he cautioned that the briefing’s appearance raised concerns and needed careful examination.  

The public’s rising anxiety over instability inside the SAPS has been  

exacerbated by the dramatic standoff between the two well-known individuals. Since then, Minister Mchunu has denied the accusations, calling them reckless and without merit. However, the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa has recognised the issue as a serious national security threat.