PAUL O’SULLIVAN DENIES BEING A SPY FOR M16, OTHER FOREIGN AGENCIES
Forensic fraud examiner Paul O’Sullivan denied on Tuesday allegations of having performed any foreign agency activities in South Africa, saying he was loyal to the country.
Testifying before the ad Hoc Committee probing the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, O’Sullivan confirmed that he has citizenship of three countries – South Africa, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
“When I became a South African, I already had citizenship of Ireland and the United Kingdom,” he said.
O’Sullivan also said he was born in England to Irish parents and was raised in Ireland.
“When I grew up I considered myself Irish. I took the Irish passport. Later, I obtained a British passport because, having been born in Britain, I was entitled to that passport. I saw no reason why I should not have these passports,” he said.
O’Sullivan denied allegations that he worked for foreign intelligence agencies when questioned by evidence leader Advocate Norman Arendse, SC.
“I have been in this country for 40 years. I can categorically state that I have not performed any foreign agent activities over those 40 years. My loyalty is to South Africa,” he told the parliamentary inquiry.
O’Sullivan said he would consider it criminal for him to support any foreign government. “Having taken the oath, I am stating categorically that I have never acted as a foreign agent in this country.”
Earlier, O’Sullivan asked that his testimony not extend beyond 7 pm.
He said he had been on a long-haul flight to South Africa and had spent the whole night in preparation for his testimony.
“I also have medical issues that need to be dealt with. I am 70 years old. I am not the spring chicken that I used to be. I have spinal problems and spend a certain amount of my time lying flat, and I don’t really want to give evidence lying on a bed.”
O’Sullivan confirmed that he had a certain Paul Gibson taking care of his security, and the parliamentary security team was scattered around the room and outside while the police provided additional escorts.
“This was necessary because of the threats made against me. I am satisfied,” he told the Ad Hoc Committee.
