On Tuesday, March 1, Western Cape Premier Alan Winde confirmed Albert Fritz’s dismissal from the state executive cabinet. Sexual misconduct, grooming, and alcohol abuse are among charges leveled against the former MEC for Community Safety.
FRITZ WINDE FIRES
Winde suspended the MEC earlier this year after learning of the claims against Fritz and launched an independent investigation led by Advocate Jennifer Williams to determine the authenticity of the allegations.
Winde said he received Williams’ report on Sunday evening and met with her and a legal team from the Western Cape government on Monday to examine it.
“Having gone through this report carefully, it is clear to me that Mr Fritz is not a fit and proper person to hold any position in my executive council. He has therefore been removed, in line with the powers vested in me by the Constitution,” said the Premier.
The investigation found that there is “sufficient credibility” in the allegations of sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse against Fritz; and there is “sufficient evidence” of the disgraced politician creating an “environment that is conducive to sexual harassment” or “taking advantage of young women sexually.”
“I am extremely angry at what appears to be verifiable incidences of serious sexual misconduct by him, in circumstances which in and of themselves were inappropriate,” said Winde.
CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS?
Winde said he would meet with the complainants that came to him again on Tuesday and offer his support if they wish to pursue criminal charges against Fritz.
None of the complainants has opened a case, thus far, but the South African Police Service (SAPS) said it opened an inquiry.
“While we welcome that an inquiry has been established by the SAPS, we, unfortunately, note that it requires a charge by a complainant for the criminal investigation to proceed.
“The legal advice provided by Adv Williams is that the nature of the allegations is such that a third person cannot lay criminal charges on behalf of the complainant/s, and that the sharing of the personal information and details contained in the report, without the express consent of the complainants, would be disempowering for them and undermine their agency,” said Winde.
Winde said the report was not the end of the matter and he would do everything in his power to “effect the biggest change [he] can in the Western Cape Government… [to] make sure that gender-based violence has nowhere to hide.”
MEC Anroux Marais will continue to act as MEC for Community Safety.