CAPE TOWN - The ANC in the Western Cape Legislature has called for an urgent meeting and an explanation from Premier Alan Winde regarding the suspension of Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz.
In a letter to the Standing Committee on Community Safety, ANC spokesperson on Community Safety, Mesuli Kama, said serious allegations had been levelled against Fritz.
Addressed to committee chairperson Regan Allen, Kama wrote that it would be in the “best interest of the committee to get full details and chart a way forward”.
“I would like to call on you to also invite the Premier to appear before the committee. Given the urgency of this matter, it would be best for the committee to convene before the end of this week,” Kama wrote.
Winde announced Fritz’s suspension on Sunday, following allegations brought to his attention.
Winde described the allegations against Fritz which are reportedly of a sexually nature, as “serious”.
Winde announced on Monday afternoon that he had appointed Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais as the acting MEC for Community Safety.
“I know there have been many questions raised around the nature of the allegations which resulted in the suspension of Minister (MEC) Fritz. It is always my preference to be open and transparent with residents of the province and the media,” Winde said.
“In this case, however, noting specific requests by the complainants for confidentiality, the seriousness of the allegations made and the rights of all parties to a fair and unprejudiced investigation into the veracity of the claims made, I may not do so at this stage.
“I assure you that I am treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves and I will provide further updates as soon as I am able to.
“Finally, I have noted many rumours and reports by individuals who wish to politicise this matter. I will not play politics with the wellbeing of people and would like to urge anyone who views this matter as a political football to show restraint, especially in consideration of the requests made by the complainants and the rights of all to a fair process.”
Cape Times