President Ramaphosa Rebuts Claims of External Influence in National Police Commissioner Selection Process

President Ramaphosa clarifies that Paul O’Sullivan did not influence the 2022 appointment of Fannie Masemola as National Police Commissioner.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 21, 2026, 5:13 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from IOL

Presidential Denial of Forensic Examiner Involvement in Police Leadership

The executive branch has moved to clarify the internal mechanics of high level security appointments following public testimony from a controversial private investigator. President Cyril Ramaphosa informed an Ad Hoc Committee that Paul O’Sullivan possessed no influence, whether direct or indirect, over the selection of General Fannie Masemola as National Police Commissioner in April 2022. The President emphasized that his decision making process is governed by Section 207 of the Constitution, which mandates consultation with the Minister of Police and the national security adviser. According to the President, these official channels were the only factors considered when filling the nation’s top law enforcement role.

Contradicting Testimony Regarding Candidate Lifestyle Audits

The President's statement serves as a direct rebuttal to claims made by O’Sullivan, who previously suggested he was tasked with vetting potential leaders for the South African Police Service. The investigator had alleged that Bejani Chauke, a former adviser to the President, approached him to conduct lifestyle audits on a shortlist of eight candidates. O’Sullivan claimed his findings categorized several high ranking officials as unsuitable for the post, leaving only a small fraction as viable options. However, the President has dismissed these assertions, maintaining that the state did not solicit or utilize private forensic services to determine the eligibility of its security chiefs.

Historical Links and Modern Professional Distance

Addressing his personal history with the investigator, the President confirmed that a relationship existed in a purely instructional capacity nearly three decades ago. He noted that O’Sullivan was one of the trainers who presented a course during his police reservist training in 1997, but clarified that they have not maintained contact since that period. While acknowledging that O’Sullivan may have attempted to reach his office or foundation staff over the last ten years, the President asserted that no information shared by the investigator influenced any executive decisions. This clarification aims to separate past acquaintance from current governance, reinforcing that the administration operates independently of private interests.