Mkhwanazi files R5 million defamation lawsuit against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan
Zuko Komisa
- The police chief of KwaZulu-Natal is suing a forensic investigator for R5 million over defamation as he begins testifying at a public inquiry.
- The lawsuit stems from the investigator’s public accusations that the police commissioner is a “criminal” and should be suspended.
- The legal dispute adds to the ongoing tensions within South Africa’s police force as the commissioner is set to expose alleged corruption and criminal networks.
The KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has launched a R5 million defamation lawsuit against renowned forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan.
The legal action follows O’Sullivan’s repeated public attacks on the police chief, in which he labelled Mkhwanazi a “criminal” and demanded his suspension from the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The dispute adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing tensions within South Africa’s law enforcement.
O’Sullivan’s accusations were reportedly made after Mkhwanazi himself levelled damning allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
Mkhwanazi, who is the first witness to testify, is expected to reveal details of corruption and criminal networks within SAPS.
His previous allegations implicated Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Deputy National Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya.
The first hearing of the Madlanga Commission is currently underway in Pretoria.