Keely Goodall30 June 2025 | 11:17

When top cops commit crimes, other officers do the same – Paul O'Sullivan, forensic investigator

Forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan is exposing dirty deals in crime intelligence in the South African Police Service (SAPS)..

When top cops commit crimes, other officers do the same – Paul O'Sullivan, forensic investigator

South African Police Service (SAPS) officers in formation. Picture: X/SAPoliceService

Crime Intelligence boss Lt-Gen Dumisani Khumalo, Crime Intelligence CFO Maj-Gen Philani Lushaba, Gauteng Province Crime Intelligence boss Maj-Gen Josias Lekalakala and several others are accused of fraud and corruption.

The allegations relate to the appointment of an unqualified civilian to a senior post within the service.

“They were never fighting the bad guys anyway. All they have been doing is lining their own pockets.”
- Paul O'Sullivan, forensic investigator

There are reports that Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola may soon be arrested for procurement irregularities.

However, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu has dismissed these reports as 'speculative'.

O’Sullivan says that when the higher-ups engage in illegal activities, the people below them start to do the same.

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“The opportunity was presented to appoint people of high ethics, and unfortunately, they scraped the bottom of the barrel.”
- Paul O'Sullivan, forensic investigator

He adds that most people in the police service are trustworthy and ethical, but they have become disheartened because of the dishonest leadership.

Scroll up to the audio player for more.