Western Cape Premier Alan Winde has called on the public to respect the privacy of the alleged sexual misconduct victims in the case of the suspended provincial Community Safety Minister Albert Fritz.
Winde has confirmed that the allegations against Fritz are of sexual misconduct.
The Premier says an independent investigation is underway, adding that he will wait for the outcome of the investigation before deciding on how to proceed.
Winde, who earlier declined to confirm the allegations, says he has received permission from the alleged victims and legal services.
The province, he says, has taken a number of steps to ensure that the complainants receive the support and protection they need throughout the investigation process.
Winde says no case has been registered with the police but has again encouraged the complainants to lay charges.
The option of Winde laying criminal charges against Fritz also remains on the table. He says he has not dismissed this but is waiting on the outcome of the independent investigation to determine the veracity of the allegations.
The investigation is expected to be completed in the next 14 days.
VIDEO: Winde called to provide more details on Fritz’s misconduct:
