Nkabinde Drops Bombshells: Accuses Paul O’Sullivan of Running SAPS, IPID, and NPA in Explosive Parliamentary Testimony
Cape Town – Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, Cedrick Nkabinde, has unleashed a torrent of shocking allegations before Parliament’s ad hoc committee, claiming that private forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan unlawfully pulled strings across the South African Police Service (SAPS), Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID), and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). Testifying on Wednesday, 20 November 2025, Nkabinde painted O’Sullivan as a shadowy puppet master who “ran” the justice cluster without any official authority, blocking appointments, staging operations, and even holding meetings at IPID offices. These claims, delivered under intense questioning, suggest a deep web of interference that Nkabinde dubbed “the real state capture,” raising serious questions about accountability in South Africa’s security apparatus.
Nkabinde’s evidence, part of the committee’s probe into criminal infiltration, corruption, and political meddling in the justice system, has ignited calls for O’Sullivan and former IPID head Robert McBride to testify. As the hearings continue, his revelations expose alleged factionalism and external meddling that could undermine public trust in law enforcement.
Nkabinde’s Claims of O’Sullivan’s Iron Grip on Institutions
Nkabinde did not hold back, alleging that O’Sullivan exerted control over key institutions despite lacking any formal role. “He does not play any role in SAPS, but he’s in charge. He can send one email, and everything stops,” Nkabinde told MPs, citing how O’Sullivan allegedly halted his own SAPS appointment with a single message to the national commissioner.
He went further, claiming O’Sullivan “was running IPID, SAPS, NPA,” and that this influence amounted to a hidden form of capture. Nkabinde said O’Sullivan sometimes showed up at IPID offices, convened meetings, issued directives, and even interviewed witnesses using official IPID letterheads. “He was giving us instruction. He was in charge of us,” Nkabinde stated, adding that O’Sullivan pretended to work for IPID at times.
Under grilling by MK Party MP Sibonelo Nomvalo, Nkabinde revealed he was part of an informal “task team” assembled by then-IPID head Robert McBride. This group, communicating via WhatsApp and in-person meetings, allegedly aimed to oust acting national commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane. Nkabinde claimed the plot was driven by O’Sullivan, who “wanted McBride to become a national commissioner” because he could “control McBride.”
He described Phahlane as a target because “he did not comply with Paul O’Sullivan,” leading to a campaign that successfully resulted in Phahlane’s suspension. Nkabinde also alleged that O’Sullivan had allies inside SAPS who leaked internal documents to him, including Nkabinde’s own appointment letter, showing he “works with very senior people in SAPS.”
Alleged Plot Meeting at O’Sullivan’s Home
One of the most damning parts of Nkabinde’s testimony came when he read from a 2018 report he compiled, detailing a secret meeting at O’Sullivan’s home. Attendees allegedly included McBride, Nkabinde himself, Mandlakayise Mahlangu, Sarah-Jane Trent, a Crime Intelligence operative named Candice, former Gauteng Hawks boss Shadrack Sibiya, “two white males” representing AfriForum and the DA, and a journalist.
The purpose? To “plot how to bring down Phahlane.” Nkabinde claimed AfriForum representatives “guaranteed that the funds were available” for the operation. O’Sullivan was reportedly tasked to “spy” on Phahlane and other officials across SAPS, the NPA, State Security Agency (SSA), and Crime Intelligence.
Nkabinde described a staged search-and-seizure at Phahlane’s home, designed to generate media frenzy and force presidential action. “We created a scenario, the aim was to come with the media. Acting national commissioner’s home was raided, so the president will have no choice,” he said. Publicly cited reasons, like allegations over a sound system and blue-lights procurement, were allegedly fabricated to justify the raid.
Claims of Stalled Cases and Foreign Funding
Nkabinde alleged that cases against O’Sullivan have been deliberately stalled in the NPA, with two dockets “lying in dust.” He claimed one was even removed from a Black prosecutor to prevent progress. A case where O’Sullivan and McBride were charged for allegedly impersonating IPID officials was withdrawn, supposedly to obtain a racketeering certificate, but never resumed. Nkabinde named Advocate Mashego at the DPP’s office as handling it, with a major-general (now acting divisional commissioner) as the investigating officer.
He further claimed O’Sullivan received “fundings from overseas” to support his interference in SAPS and the justice cluster. Nkabinde said he, McBride, and Matthews Sesoko (IDAC investigations head) “just hate me with passion,” suggesting personal vendettas drove some actions.
Background on Key Figures and Past Controversies
Paul O’Sullivan, a forensic investigator and founder of Forensics for Justice, has long positioned himself as an anti-corruption crusader. Known for high-profile exposés, he has targeted figures like Phahlane, whom he accused of corruption in 2016, leading to raids and suspensions. O’Sullivan has denied undue influence, often portraying his work as public service. In 2014, IPID apologised to him for false statements, and he has faced his own legal battles, including arrests dismissed as harassment.
Robert McBride, former IPID head (2014-2019), is a Struggle veteran known for tough stances against police abuse. He clashed with Phahlane over investigations and has denied improper ties to O’Sullivan. McBride’s tenure saw probes into high-level graft, but critics accused him of overreach.
Phahlane, suspended in 2017 amid corruption claims, was later cleared in some cases but remains a divisive figure. His removal opened doors for others, aligning with Nkabinde’s plot claims.
These histories fuel the narrative of factionalism in the justice cluster, where personal and political agendas allegedly mix with official duties.
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