MK Party
In a bold move amid escalating tensions in South Africa’s political and law enforcement spheres, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has lodged criminal complaints against two prominent figures who testified before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee probing corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS). The party accuses criminologist Mary de Haas of misrepresenting her academic qualifications and forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan of sending intimidating threats to a key witness. These cases, filed at the Cape Town Central Police Station on Thursday, 28 November 2025, highlight growing concerns over witness integrity and safety in high-stakes inquiries. As the committee nears its conclusion, MK Party parliamentarian Des van Rooyen has also called for special protection for MPs, citing risks from “sophisticated criminal syndicates.” With public trust in institutions at stake, these developments could influence broader reforms in policing and parliamentary processes.
The Ad Hoc Committee, formed in response to allegations of political interference and criminal networks within SAPS, has heard explosive testimonies from various stakeholders. De Haas and O’Sullivan’s appearances have now drawn legal fire from the MK Party, which claims their actions undermine the inquiry’s credibility. This story unfolds against a backdrop of South Africa’s ongoing battle against corruption, where whistleblowers and investigators often face backlash. For everyday citizens, it raises questions about accountability and the safety of those exposing wrongdoing in a nation still healing from state capture wounds.
Criminal Case Against Mary de Haas: Misrepresentation of Qualifications
The first complaint targets Mary de Haas, a well-known independent violence monitor and social anthropologist based in KwaZulu-Natal. During her testimony before the committee on 20 November 2025, De Haas was introduced and referred to as “Dr” or “Professor,” titles she did not correct initially. MK Party’s Van Rooyen alleges this amounted to deliberate misrepresentation, as De Haas holds only a Master’s degree in Criminology from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), earned in 1987, and an honorary doctorate from Rhodes University.
UKZN has since distanced itself from De Haas, clarifying in a statement that she is neither an employee nor a professor at the institution. She served as an honorary research fellow from 2000 to 2015 but does not hold a PhD or professorial title. When questioned during the hearing by EFF deputy secretary-general Leigh-Ann Mathys, De Haas responded: “People call me that. I’m not a professor; I did not get an official professorship because I haven’t finished the PhD that would have gotten me one.”
Van Rooyen argues that this “lie” erodes the committee’s integrity, especially since De Haas’s evidence criticised SAPS operations in KZN, including the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT). “We expect that SAPS will definitely retrieve the records of the Ad Hoc Committee… to confirm the misrepresentation,” Van Rooyen stated. The MK Party believes her testimony, which influenced discussions on police misconduct, was tainted by this alleged falsehood.
De Haas has defended her expertise, citing decades of work as a violence monitor and her contributions to reports on political killings. However, the complaint could lead to charges of perjury or fraud if investigators find intent to deceive. Legal experts note that while honorary titles are common, misusing them in official settings like parliamentary hearings could cross ethical lines.
Allegations of Intimidation Against Paul O’Sullivan
The second case involves Paul O’Sullivan, a forensic investigator and founder of Forensics for Justice, accused of sending a threatening SMS to Cedric Nkabinde, chief of staff to suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu. Nkabinde, who testified on 21 November 2025, claimed O’Sullivan has undue influence over SAPS, the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The alleged message, read during the hearing, stated: “Get ready, you lying crook. I am going to make sure you spend some years in prison. You were bribed by Mkhwanazi and Mabula. Now you will pay for your crimes, guaranteed.” Van Rooyen described it as clear intimidation, saying: “We cannot allow Parliamentary inquiry processes to be undermined by threats or intimidation of witnesses. This is constitutionally wrong and disturbing.”
O’Sullivan has denied the allegations, calling them baseless and suggesting they stem from his exposés on corruption. Known for high-profile investigations like the Phala Phala farm scandal involving President Cyril Ramaphosa, O’Sullivan has often clashed with powerful figures. The MK Party’s complaint includes claims that he intimidated other committee members, potentially violating laws against witness tampering.
Committee chairperson Ian Cameron has condemned any threats, referring the matter to SAPS for investigation. “We will not tolerate any form of intimidation,” Cameron stated, emphasising the need for a safe space for testimonies.
MK Party Calls for Enhanced Security for Committee Members
Beyond the complaints, Van Rooyen used the occasion to demand special protection for MPs on the Ad Hoc Committee. Despite no direct threats against members, he cited the O’Sullivan message and the inquiry’s focus on “sophisticated criminal syndicates” as reasons for concern. “It’s the very same SAPS, senior officers of SAPS are implicated in this matter. So we are calling for a special security provision dispensation to cater for all the members of the ad hoc committee,” Van Rooyen urged.
He argued that Parliament’s standard security is inadequate, especially given the committee’s probe into political interference and criminal networks in SAPS. The inquiry, sparked by KZN Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi’s allegations, has exposed rifts within law enforcement and drawn fire from various parties.
Parliament has yet to respond formally, but similar calls have arisen in past high-risk probes, like the State Capture Commission. Security experts note that while no specific threats exist, the nature of the testimony—implicating senior officials—could invite risks.
🔴Central News Weekly Edition | Issue 119 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Jacob Zuma Welcomes Tony Yengeni to MK Party as Second Deputy President in Major Leadership Shake-Up🔴
Read more⬇️⬇️⬇️
https://centralnews.co.za/central-news-weekly-edition-issue-116-download-the-latest-print-and-e-edition-headline-jacob-zuma-welcomes-tonyyengeni-to-mk-party-as-second-deputy-president-in-major-leadership-shake-up/
Read all our publications on magzter:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube