Why Paul O'Sullivan fled South Africa

Investigator claims that there is a plot to murder him

- By Setumo Stone

Paul O Sullivan

In a series of email exchanges with Parliament and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan has revealed that he has once again moved his family out of South Africa, citing what he describes as a credible and state-sanctioned plot to murder him.

The correspondence, sent throughout November and December 2025, details his absolute refusal to testify in person before an ad hoc parliamentary committee into allegations of capture of the criminal justice system.

On Thursday, MPs resolved that O'Sullivan, as well as alleged police informant Brown Mogotsi, will not be allowed to testify virtually - a decision O'Sullivan has since threatened to challenge in court.

He points to a recent murder, alleged public incitement against him by Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, and an alleged longstanding “criminal enterprise” at the highest levels of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

O'Sullivan states his life is in danger because he is preparing to expose systemic graft involving top police officials. He accuses certain members of the parliamentary committee of being “accessories” to a conspiracy to have him killed.