In a statement, yesterday Winde said his decision followed consultations with legal experts on the matter. He sought guidance from both the provincial legal services unit and from Advocate Jennifer Williams, who was appointed to conduct an independent investigation. Fritz’s spokesperson, Wade Seale, the head of the community safety ministry, David Abrahams, support officer Michael Kwaaiman, and another official, Lazola Ndubela, have also been suspended, pending the outcome of the investigation.