DStv Channel 403 Wednesday, 11 February 2026

'I was placed in a cell with rats and sewage' - Paul O'Sullivan on 2016 arrest

CAPE TOWN - Forensic Investigator Paul O’Sullivan told the Parliament’s SAPS Ad Hoc Committee that in 2016, he was unlawfully arrested and tortured for three days. 

He said during this time he was repeatedly told that he would be in prison for the rest of his life and charged with treason while being subjected to filthy conditions. 

READ | O'Sullivan threatens to withdraw from SAPS Ad Hoc Committee

These include being placed in a cell with rats running around and sewage on the floor, with nowhere to sit. 

He also alleged that his phones were tapped.

 

O’Sullivan’s testimony also went into the disbandment of the Scorpions, a unit tasked with investigating and prosecuting high-level and priority crimes, including organised crime and corruption.

He told the commission that the decision was made under former president Jacob Zuma.

READ | O'Sullivan denies being friends with Shadrack Sibiya

He said that, in his understanding, is that the disbanding of the scorpions was intended to curtail high-profile corruption investigations. 

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