Athol Trollip files criminal charges against Paul O’Sullivan over intimidation claims

Athol Trollip, the Chief Whip of ActionSA, has filed criminal charges against forensic investigator Paul O’Sullivan, claiming that he threatened and intimidated him.

Trollip filed a complaint at the Central Police Station in Cape Town on Monday, claiming that O’Sullivan had sent him several threatening text messages that interfered with his ability to perform his duties in parliamentary oversight.

Trollip said that O’Sullivan’s behaviour is a direct attack on an elected official, and he was of the view that this type of behavior ought to be addressed legally.

He read through a message which he said came from O’Sullivan.

“I have been looking at your misinformed attacks on me on social media because someone forwarded them to me. You are clearly an arrogant fool who doesn’t have a clue what’s going on. Mkhwanazi is one of the biggest criminals that ever wore a police uniform; his crimes, when they are finally exposed, will shock the nation. Best part is, unlike you, you are in receipt of my taxpayer rand. I don’t get a single cent, then he said you attacked me personally on social media as if you’re Mkhwanazi’s right-hand man, which means that you must be supporting his criminal conduct. Either that, you are far too stupid to know a criminal when you see one,” read the message.

Speaking to the SABC, Trollip said he’s not a criminal and was only performing his duties and as member of Parliament. 

“All I was doing, as a public representative and member of Parliament, was calling for the allegations, both his and Mkhwanazi’s, to be investigated. If that intimidates him and elicits this kind of response, it’s absolutely melodramatic.

“He goes further, he threatens ActionSA leader, he threatens Herman Mashaba, he says he will tell everyone he knows not to support ActionSA. All that does is encourage me all more because there is a saying that says, if you want to dog kick it and the owner will come out very quickly. I want to know why Paul O’sullivan has come out guns blazing like he has against me, and it will come out,” he told the broadcaster.

Meanwhile, IOL submitted questions to O’Sullivan, but there was no response by the time of publication.

sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za

IOL News

Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel