KZN top cop Mkhwanazi sues forensic investigator O'Sullivan for defamation

KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi has filed a defamation suit against forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan, demanding R5 million in damages.

The summons, filed at the Johannesburg High Court last week, details three instances where O’Sullivan allegedly publicly defamed Mkhwanazi. 

In response, O’Sullivan issued a statement claiming he would not publicly answer questions on the matter, as it was subjudice.

In his high court summons, Mkhwanazi lists three instances in whereby O’Sullivan, through news outlets, made damning allegations against him this year.

O’Sullivan’s allegations suggest Mkhwanazi misappropriated police funds when he was acting national police commissioner, that he accepted luxury gifts from a service provider and that he’s a criminal with links to organised crime.

O’Sullivan’s statements were also directed at Crime Intelligence head, Dumisani Khumalo, and National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola. 

Mkhwanazi is suing O’Sullivan for R5 million for defamation, claiming he requested O’Sullivan to publicly retract his allegations and apologise, which he failed to do.

In a response issued on Tuesday, O’Sullivan claims to have evidence to back up his allegations, adding that he intends to share it with the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry.

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