Cape Town – Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has reportedly broken his silence following the suspension of Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz.
According to EWN, Winde said on Wednesday that he wanted an independent legal expert to investigate the misconduct allegations against Fritz.
Winde had remained mum since Sunday when his office issued a statement informing the public of the decision to suspend Fritz.
He did not give details on what the allegations were related to, but according to media reports, the claims were reportedly of a sexual nature.
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News24, reported on Monday that four independent sources confirmed that sexual assault allegations were at the core of the suspension.
“He allegedly sexually assaulted young female workers in his office,” the report quoted a direct source who has knowledge of the suspension as saying.
Winde said the allegations surfaced in November, eNCA reported.
“Initial allegations relating to this matter were brought to me by a third party informally in November. I immediately requested affidavits from the people involved so I can take action.
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“No pressure was placed on them noting the nature of their complaints. Eleven days ago the first group met with me then the others also followed when they were ready,” said Winde, according to the report.
Meanwhile, the ANC in the Western Cape said it will be approaching the police to open a case against Fritz, IOL reported.
The party called on Winde to “remove Fritz from the executive completely and allow law enforcement agencies space to deal with these very serious matters”, the report said.
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Betha Madhomu
