Premier Alan Winde on the Western Cape Government fully supporting any inquiry by the South African Police Service, and first meeting with independent investigator

27 January 2022

The Western Cape Government will fully support any inquiry by the South African Police Service relating to the allegations made against Minister Albert Fritz. We also note that a case has not yet been registered. 

The independent investigation into the veracity of the allegations, which has now been established through the State Attorney, will provide me with assistance on further steps that are  necessary or appropriate from  an executive perspective.

I also fully support the South African Police Service’s reminder that their doors remain open to the complainants. I have echoed this call to the complainants directly and note that it remains their choice to lay charges – one in which we must all respect.

In addition to advising the complainants of their rights to lay criminal charges, we are also referring complainants to an NGO dedicated to the assistance of complainants of the nature in question, having received confirmation from such NGO that such a referral would be appropriate and may proceed. This will ensure that  every person who complains to my office is treated with sensitivity  both within the investigation that I have initiated to determine Minister Fritz’s continued cabinet appointment, and  in respect of any criminal or civil claim that the complainant in question may wish to pursue themselves.

Yesterday, we received confirmation that Adv Jennifer Williams, an independent advocate, has been appointed through the State Attorney to conduct an external investigation into the veracity of the allegations made against Minister Albert Fritz.

This afternoon, I will meet with Advocate Williams to provide the details which were brought to my attention by several complainants, in the strictest of confidence. I will also provide her with the details around the actions steps I have taken to date. This information should then  enable her to begin her investigation  immediately.

Once she does so, I  do not foresee myself having a  further role to play in that aspect, that is, until I receive her report into the veracity of the complaints. She will  however be offered my full support, as well as that of the Western Cape Government.

I am determined to respect the requests of some of the complainants, which have been clearly articulated to me to date, and at the same time will do everything I can to ensure that justice is achieved.

Issued by Odette Cason, Office of the Premier, 27 January 2022