Forensic investigator claims Ramaphosa trained as police reservist, raising questions

In a dramatic appearance before Parliament’s Ad Hoc Committee, controversial forensic investigator, Paul O’Sullivan made a series of claims about South African President Cyril Ramaphosa past involvement with the police force.

O’Sullivan told the committee that he had trained Ramaphosa, along with 1,500 other police reservists, on the Bill of Rights during a three-month course.

He claimed got his training at the South African Police Academy in Paarl, Western Cape. He further alleged that Ramaphosa was awarded the “Shield” as the top trainee reservist, which he later returned after a year.

However, O’Sullivan clarified that he did not have the qualifications to train anyone on the Constitution, and his role was limited to providing training on the Bill of Rights, which was accredited by the police.

When questioned about the purpose of Ramaphosa, who was involved in drafting the country’s constitution, attending such training, O’Sullivan expressed puzzlement, calling the situation “strange.”

O’Sullivan also claimed to have received a Police Officer of the Year award in Johannesburg in 1994, not for spying, but for his work in investigating crime and getting to the bottom of it. He dismissed allegations that he was a spy, providing details of his professional background

The forensic investigator also claimed to have worked at Booysens police station and the then Johannesburg International Airport (OR Tambo International Airport) border police, where he served as a reservist detective sergeant. He alleged that during this time, human trafficking and drug trafficking were rampant, and he was skilled in dealing with these issues.

However, O’Sullivan’s appearance was not without controversy. He refused to answer questions about events before 1990, citing personal security concerns and the risk of exposing personal details.

This angered several members of the committee, including Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema, who argued that O’Sullivan could not dictate what the committee could ask him.

The revelations and the ensuing debate have raised questions about Ramaphosa’s past involvement with the police force and the purpose of his reservist training, particularly given his role in shaping the country’s constitution.