McBride denies having close links to Paul O'Sullivan

Former Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) head Robert McBride has denied having any close links to forensic investigator Paul O'Sullivan and says he only met him when he was appointed as the head of the police watchdog in 2014. 

But McBride acknowledges that O'Sullivan had expert knowledge in identifying fraud as well as forensic analysis and used him as a "sounding board" for information. 

McBride has been accused of working with O'Sullivan to target certain senior police officials and interfering in police operations. 

READ: Former IPID head Robert McBride to face Ad Hoc Committee

McBride was continuing his evidence before the parliamentary ad hoc committee investigating police corruption on Wednesday. 

"I've known O'Sullivan since 2014, when I was appointed to IPID, and I met him in response to his provocation about what  IPID's predecessor had done to him."

He admits that O'Sullivan tried to overstep the mark by inserting himself in police matters. 

"On two occasions, I thought he was overstepping the line, and I brought him to order. I don’t know his relationship with the South African Police Service."