Standard Bank in confidentiality row

O’SULLIVAN-SKOSANA CLASH

- BONGANI HANS

FORENSIC investigator Paul O’Sullivan's revelation that uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) MP David Mandla Skosana owed money to a bank has raised eyebrows among South Africans, who were concerned that the bank might be illegally sharing its clients’ confidential information.

When O'Sullivan walked out of the Ad Hoc Committee on Thursday without the permission of the committees Chairperson, Soviet Lekganyane, some members of Parliament protested while Skhosana followed him in what seemed to be an attempt to physically stop him.

The allegations that O'Sullivan knew about the money Skosana owed the bank were discussed on social media in response to ANC MP Xola Ngola’s post, who identified the bank as Standard Bank.

Ngola posted on X: “The name of the bank that has served Mr David Sikhosana with papers, proving to be in cahoots with Paul O'Sullivan is STANDARD BANK”

Standard Bank spokesperson Ross Linstrom said the bank had noted the public commentary currently circulating on social media regarding the bank's alleged conduct.

“Standard Bank does not participate in political activities, nor do political considerations influence the bank’s operational decisions.

“All actions taken by Standard Bank are governed by the laws and regulatory frameworks that apply to all financial institutions operating in South Africa,” said Linstrom.