albert fritz

Photo: ANA/Tracey Adams

Gender Commission to monitor Albert Fritz sexual assault case

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) hopes for a fair outcome in the independent probe against Western Cape MEC Albert Fritz

albert fritz

Photo: ANA/Tracey Adams

The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it welcomes the appointment of Advocate Jennifer Williams, who will independently probe allegations of sexual assault levelled against the Western Cape’s suspended Community Safety MEC Albert Fritz. The Commission’s Tamara Mathebula says Williams being roped in means the Western Cape Provincial Government takes gender-based violence (GBV) seriously.

Premier Alan Winde placed Fritz on suspension in the wake of the allegations. Several women who worked in Winde’s office have accused him of behaving inappropriately towards them.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in the Western Cape has confirmed opening an inquest in respect of the claims. Winde has reiterated that a criminal case has not been opened against Fritz.

“I fully support the South African Police Services reminder that their doors remain open to the complainant. I have echoed this call to the complainant directly and note that it remains their choice to lay charges, one in which we must all respect,” the premier said.

ALBERT FRITZ PROBE: GENDER COMMISSION HOPING FOR ‘FAIR OUTCOME’

Further responding to the sexual assault saga involving Albert Fritz, the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) says it will be keeping an eye on the developments and hopes the outcomes of the investigation will be fair.

“Through its community educational and legal outreach programme activities, the Commission continues to observe the persistence of sexual harassment, sexual assault, bullying and intimidation in the workplace in South African, which have contributed immensely to the scourge of GBV.”

“The Commission trusts that Advocate Williams’ investigation will lead to a fair outcome and ensure justice for complainants. The allegations against MEC Fritz are serious in nature and warrant an immediate response by the Western Cape Provincial Government.”

“As part of its continuing work in the area of gender-based violence, the CGE encourages and invites members of the public who have encountered acts of GBV and experienced gender inequality to report their complaints to us by calling our Toll-Free Number 0800 007 709. The Commission for Gender Equality will be monitoring this case.”

The Commission for Gender Commission’s Chairperson Tamara Mathebula