Forensic consultant Paul O'Sullivan's lawyers have expressed their fear over the safety of their client since his arrest. According to Sullivan's attorneys, he was arrested by the Hawks at OR Tambo International Airport because he was questioning high-profile police officers.
Sullivan's attorneys defended him, claiming he didn't violate immigration rules. They added that his role as a whistleblower might be the top reason why he was arrested. The forensic consultant was reportedly determined to bare his findings, IOL.Co.Za reported. On Saturday, the lawyers for Sullivan said they are waiting for an update since his arrest. They claimed that they don't have any idea on what's happening with him since he was taken by the Hawks authorities.
"We are very concerned for his safety," one of his legal representatives, who did not want to be named, told Weekend Argus. "The Hawks are moving him. They are allowed to move him if they tell his lawyers where. They haven't. None of us have slept for two days."
In a report published by News24, Private investigator Mike Bolhuis said that Sullivan was arrested after committing immigration offenses. Sullivan would be allegedly detained at Pretoria Police Station before he appears in court on Monday. The forensic expert was reportedly carrying three passports when he was captured. He was held for breaking the Immigration Act of Section 26 B of 1995. Bolhuis added that he's assisting the police in the investigation of Sullivan, who's also dragged in a number of cases that led to the conviction of former police commissioner Jackie Selebi.
"It is common cause that our client has opened criminal dockets against many very senior police officers, including the acting commissioner of police, the head of the Hawks and the erstwhile divisional commissioner for detective services. The police officials under investigation as a result of our client have seized an opportunity to make a Hollywood-style show-arrest as part of a clear campaign of retaliation and vilification," Sullivan's legal team, Darryl Furman and Associates, said in a statement.
Sullivan made the news more than 10 years ago when he started probing former national police commissioner Selebi. His testimonies led to arrest of Selebi and he was sentenced for 15 years over corruption charges, according to Daily Maverick. Sullivan was also the man behind the conviction of Czech fugitive Radovan Krejcir over attempted murder and kidnapping.
Hawks representative Hangwani Mulaudzi hasn't returned any call on the arrest of Sullivan. Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Department claimed that they were confirming the arrest of Sullivan by members of the Hawks after he violated immigration laws.
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