JOHANNESBURG - Security measures in Parliament have been strengthened following safety concerns ahead of the appearance of forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan before the SAPS Ad Hoc Committee.
Committee chairperson Soviet Lekganyane said Parliament’s security services, together with the Secretary to the National Assembly, were brought in to engage directly with O’Sullivan.
Lekganyane said the engagement focused on outlining the security arrangements in place at Parliament and assuring O’Sullivan of his safety.
READ | Paul O'Sullivan to testify before SAPS Ad Hoc Committee
According to Lekganyane, parliamentary security officials explained that the measures are standard and apply to all events hosted at Parliament.
These include sittings involving the President, ministers, Members of Parliament, as well as international guests.
O’Sullivan is expected to give his testimony in person.
The committee has been at loggerheads after MPs accused O’Sullivan of showing serious contempt for Parliament.
READ | O'Sullivan insists he will not appear before Ad Hoc Committee in person
This follows allegations that he referred to committee members as criminals and said he would not recognise members from the MK Party, the EFF, or ActionSA during proceedings.
Lekganyane, however, said O’Sullivan will not be engaged by political parties, but by MPs serving on a committee established to probe allegations of criminal infiltration and corruption within the justice system.
Lekganyane said he is satisfied with the engagements held with O’Sullivan and hopes the process will run smoothly.
The deadline for the Ad Hoc Committee is set for February 20, but Lekganyane doubts that they will meet it given other proceedings that will be held in Parliament.
Among those is the State of the Nation Address this week and debates next week. This will then be followed by the tabling of the budget.
That will leave the committee with just one session this week.
Lekganyane said the committee deliberated on the matter and advised that the Speaker of Parliament to be given a report on the discussion.