The developments followed an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct levelled against Fritz.
Winde says an independent probe found that the allegations against Fritz, mostly from young women are credible. Winde says the allegations were first made to him by a third, unaffected party, in November last year. He suspended Fritz after receiving affidavits from six complainants. It’s understood that some 18 people, including Fritz and his witnesses, were interviewed during the independent probe into the veracity of the allegations. Winde says he has encouraged the complainants to lay criminal charges as he cannot lay a charge on their behalf.
Opposition parties who have been calling for Fritz’s dismissal say they have been vindicated by the outcome of the report. The African National Congress ’s Sifiso Mtsweni has questioned how Fritz’s alleged misconduct could have gone unnoticed.