MEC Albert Fritz has requested that he be excused from his duties as provincial DA leader until end of February.

Premier Alan Winde suspended Fritz yesterday evening, following serious allegations levelled against the Community Safety MEC.

The DA Provincial Executive Committee accepted Fritz’s request and the provincial deputy leader, MEC Tertuis Simmers, will be acting leader for the time being.

Meanwhile, the Premier’s office says he cannot divulge any further information on the suspension of Fritz, until an independent investigator has determined the full extent, and veracity, of the allegations.