The Western Cape’s suspended MEC for community safety Albert Fritz could face the full might of the law if it is deemed appropriate by an independent legal expert set to be appointed by the State Attorney, Premier Alan Winde confirmed in his first statement since the sex scandal broke out on Sunday 23 January 2022.
Alan Winde breaks his silence on Albert Fritz sex scandal
The Western Cape Premier revealed that allegations of sexual impropriety against Fritz were first brought to his attention on 23 November 2021. The complainants, whose identities have been concealed for obvious reasons, were told to note down their alleged horrors in a sworn affidavit.
“I met with them 11 days ago, accepted their accounts and consulted with legal services on the next steps to take,” Winde noted.
The bravery shown by the complainants encouraged others to come forward, the premier added, suggesting that Fritz may have been running a sex cult at the Western Cape’s community safety department.
From what we understand, four other senior officials from Fritz office have been placed on suspension for their alleged involvement in grooming interns and staffers recruited from the Expanded Public Works Programme, for the 62-year-old’s sadistic pleasures.
Winde explained that the matter now rests with the State Attorney, who has been advised to appoint an external legal counsel whose role will be to investigate “the veracity of the allegations made against Minister Albert Fritz.”
The premier also noted that complainants have been encouraged to file criminal charges and, while he may be in no position lead the line in this regard, this can’t be ruled out “should the investigation by this independent counsel result in advice that it is necessary or appropriate for me to do so.”
Winde confirmed more updates would be made available once his request to the State Attorney has been met with a response.
The suspended MEC has yet to issue a public statement on the sex scandal.