Winde speaks out on suspension

AFTER days of silence, Premier Alan Winde spoke out yesterday on community safety MEC Albert Fritz’s suspension.

He suspended Fritz with immediate effect on Sunday, with reports later emerging that it was linked to allegations of sexual assault.

Winde said initial allegations related to this matter were first brought to his attention by a third party, informally, on November 23, last year.

“I immediately requested affidavits from the persons directly involved so I could take action.

“Since that date I have ensured the complainants were afforded due care and empathy and no pressure was placed on them, noting the nature of their complaints.

“Earlier this month, I was informed that the complainants were now ready to hand over their affidavits. I met with them 11 days ago, accepted their accounts, and consulted with legal services on the next steps to take.

“In the interim, further individuals indicated that they would like to come forward too, and legal services took their accounts down. Following my meeting with the complainants, and after receiving legal advice, I felt I had sufficient information to immediately suspend the minister and request an independent investigation into this matter,” Winde said.

The premier is being assisted by the provincial government’s legal services, which has approached the State Attorney, instructing it that independent legal counsel be appointed to conduct an external investigation into the veracity of the allegations made against the MEC.

“We are currently awaiting confirmation from the State Attorney on the instruction, which we expect to receive imminently. I will provide the details of the appointee once confirmed. Due to the serious nature of the allegations, it is my belief that an independent legal expert with relevant experience is best placed to investigate these allegations and determine their veracity.

“It has been my request that the investigation be finalised as quickly as possible. I can confirm that, in the interest of transparency, I will release further details on this matter once the external investigator has been appointed, and after consultation with him/her as to what can be mentioned, given the requests of the complainants involved,” he said.

Police sources in the province confirmed yesterday that no formal charges had been laid against Fritz and four officials.

DA Western Cape chairperson Jaco Londt said the party hoped to conclude investigations against Fritz by the end of next month.