DA could lay charges against suspended MEC Albert Fritz over sexual assault allegations
Pressure is mounting on the police to act against suspended Western Cape Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz, who is accused of s.e.xually assaulting some of his junior staff.
While the ANC and later its Women’s League have added to the pressure on the police, DA leader John Steenhuisen has entered the fray. Steenhuisen told the media that his party would be first in line to lay criminal charges against Fritz.
Steenhuisen said the DA supported any inquiry by the police and the Western Cape government into the allegations of misconduct levelled against Fritz.
Western Cape premier Alan Winde, who suspended Fritz at the weekend, has appointed a lawyer via the State Attorney to investigate the allegations. The ANC have sent a letter to the Western Cape Provincial Commissioner of Police, Lieutenant General Thembisile Patekile, asking her to rally her officers to act against Fritz and Winde.
Western Cape ANC spokesperson Sifiso Mtsweni said the party wanted the affidavits of the victims – which were handed to the government investigators – to be handed over to the police for their investigation.
“Now that it has emerged that this is based on what we categorise as GBV and sexual assault and harassment, the problem now is that the premier is in possession of the affidavits – he is a prosecutor, he is an initiator and he is a judge.
“He is now the one that decides what must happen, and we are of the view that is a police matter now that victims have come forward,” Mtsweni said. The police investigation – and possible criminal charges against Fritz – appear set to run concurrently with the independent investigation by advocate Jennifer Williams, who was asked by Winde to probe the claims against the MEC.
According to media reports, four provincial government officials who were working alongside Fritz have been suspended in connection with the scandal.
After the appointment of Williams, Winde said: “I will communicate the outcome of the investigation and take such steps as may be necessary or appropriate upon its finalisation.
Source: eNCA
In other news – Khloe Kardashian gets along great with Pete Davidson
Khloe Kardashian is a fan of comedian Pete Davidson, according to an insider.
The 28-year-old comedian is dating Kim Kardashian West – Khloe’s sister – and the Good American co-founder has given their romance her stamp of approval. A source explained: “She loves Pete and is so happy to see how happy he makes her sister. Learn more
