Paul O'Sullivan (Forensic investigator)

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Paul O'Sullivan
Born
Paul Robert O'Sullivan

(1953-02-17) 17 February 1953 (age 72)
Dublin, Ireland
CitizenshipIreland; South Africa
Occupation(s)Forensic investigator, security consultant
Years active1980s–present
WebsiteO’Sullivan Brosnan and Associates

Paul Robert O’Sullivan (born 17 February 1953) is an Ireland and South African forensic investigator, security consultant, and prominent anti-corruption activist. He is widely known for conducting investigations into alleged misconduct by senior officials in the South African Police Service (SAPS) and for his outspoken public stance on corruption.

Early years

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Paul O'Sullivan was born on February 17, 1953, in Dublin, Ireland. Paul moved to South Africa in the late 1980s.

Career

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O’Sullivan has led several high-profile investigations into corruption within the criminal justice system. He has frequently made public submissions, media statements, and legal complaints relating to alleged wrongdoing by senior police officials.[1]

In July 2025, O’Sullivan publicly called for the suspension of KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, accusing him of unlawful conduct relating to public disclosures about ongoing investigations.[2]

O’Sullivan has participated in numerous public hearings, inquiries, and investigations, claiming to expose systemic corruption within the SAPS and related institutions.[3] He was also arrested at some point.[4]

In January 2003, O’Sullivan, then a board member at Airports Company South Africa, opened a criminal docket against Jackie Selebi, South Africa's chief of police and global head of Interpol, after discovering that Selebi was on the payroll of notorious drug trafficker Glenn Agliotti. Selebi was convicted of corruption and sentenced to fifteen years in prison in 2010.[5]

In October 2012, O’Sullivan opened a criminal docket against Crime Intelligence boss Richard Mdluli and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) bosses Lawrence Mrwebi and Nomgcobo Jiba. Jiba was later fired from the NPA, and both Mrwebi and Mdluli were suspended from their positions. Mdluli went on to be convicted of unrelated offenses and was sent to prison.[6]

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Defamation suit by Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi

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In September 2025, KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi filed a R5 million defamation lawsuit against O’Sullivan, alleging that O’Sullivan made several damaging public claims accusing him of corruption and misuse of public resources.[7][8]

O’Sullivan’s R10 million counterclaim

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In October 2025, O’Sullivan filed a R10 million counterclaim against Mkhwanazi, accusing him of making defamatory statements during the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry and during parliamentary testimony.[9]

O’Sullivan disputed claims that he had opened a criminal case in KwaZulu-Natal and denied allegations that he “ran IPID operations” from his home.[10]

Involvement in commissions and inquiries

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O’Sullivan has indicated willingness to present evidence to the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating corruption and political interference in the criminal justice sector.[2] His earlier complaints and statements also appear in evidence presented to the Zondo Commission related to procurement irregularities in forensic services at SAPS.[11]

Public profile and advocacy

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O’Sullivan is often described as an outspoken whistleblower. He has stated that his work aims to expose corruption and is not motivated by personal or political interests.[2]

He has also warned that certain allegations he has uncovered “may shock the nation” if left unaddressed.[2]

O’Sullivan's confrontational style has drawn mixed public reaction. Some commentators regard him as a fearless anti-corruption advocate, while others argue that his public accusations may overstep legal boundaries or risk defamation.[7]  He has been involved in multiple legal disputes, and his critics argue that his methods can escalate political tensions within the police and justice system. While giving evidence to the parliament ad hoc task team, Cedrick Nkabinde, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu’s chief of staff, claimed and read a threatening message received from O'Sullivan to which MPs reacted strongly and said they would investigate possible witness intimidation.[12][13]

Court cases

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Between March 2015 and February 2016, O’Sullivan exited and entered South Africa on his Irish passport, allegedly contravening Section 26 (b) of the South African Citizenship Act. He became the first person in the country to ever be charged with the offense. O'Sullivan had also been charged with other cases, such as the Bramley case of fraud and extortion, a Rosebank case of kidnapping, the immigration case, and a Kempton Park case of extortion, fraud, and intimidation.[14][15]

Personal life

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Court documents from 2025 indicate that O’Sullivan owns a substantial property portfolio and has funded parts of his investigative work using personal resources.[16][17]

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References

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  1. ^ "To Catch A Cop: The Paul O'Sullivan story". Jacana. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  2. ^ a b c d "'It's an attempt to silence me': O'Sullivan on Mkhwanazi's R5m defamation claim". TimesLIVE. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  3. ^ Reporter, Staff (2017-02-17). "O'Sullivan wants Ipid to investigate police officers who arrested him". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  4. ^ Reporter, Staff (2017-02-13). "Private investigator Paul O'Sullivan arrested". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  5. ^ Thamm, Marianne (2014-01-15). "Bad cops, assassins, Czech fugitives: The meaning of Paul O'Sullivan". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  6. ^ "Police Investigative Directorate apologises to Paul O'Sullivan regarding Jackie Selebi investigation | South African Government". www.gov.za. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  7. ^ a b "KZN top cop Mkhwanazi sues forensic investigator O'Sullivan for defamation". Eyewitness News. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  8. ^ "Mkhwanazi sues forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan for R5m over defamation claims". IOL. 16 September 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  9. ^ "R10m counterpunch: forensic investigator hits back at KZN police boss in defamation battle". IOL. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  10. ^ "Paul O'Sullivan hits back at Mkhwanazi with R10 million defamation claim". IOL. 18 October 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  11. ^ Zondo Commission – SAPS used dirty tricks to go after IPID, O'Sullivan and Trent (PDF) (Report). Corruption Watch. 2019. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  12. ^ Maqhina, Mayibongwe (2025-11-20). "Paul O'Sullivan in hot water after allegedly threatening Cedrick Nkabinde during parliamentary inquiry". IOL. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  13. ^ "Paul O'Sullivan 'in charge' of SAPS, Ipid and NPA: Cedrick Nkabinde". TimesLIVE. 2025-11-20. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  14. ^ Reporter, Staff (2017-03-08). "Hawks hit private investigator O'Sullivan with sixth charge". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  15. ^ Reporter, Staff (2016-07-04). "Paul O'Sullivan blames legal woes on his attempts to expose 'Zupta-led criminals'". The Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2025-11-21.
  16. ^ "Judgment: O'Sullivan evidence, property and funding" (PDF). SAFLII. 2025. Retrieved 21 November 2025.
  17. ^ "O'Sullivan Brosnan and Associates - Forensic, Fraud & Private Investigations". 2015-06-01. Retrieved 2025-11-21.