The sexual assault trial of retired Rondebosch teacher Iain Wares did not go ahead as planned in the Wynberg Regional Court on Thursday, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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After the judge in charge reported sick, the case was adjourned until 26 November.
The former teacher at Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory School is accused of sexually and physically abusing a former student at the school in 1988.
Miranda Jordan, of Women Against Child Abuse (WMACA), said that she was disappointed in the delay of the case.
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‘We are deeply disappointed in the postponement of the case, the 85-year-old former South African teacher accused of multiple counts of historical sexual and physical abuse against little boys here and in Scotland.’
‘(This) was due to continue and the local hearing is at a critical point as the last State witness was due to testify. The main complainant has finished and we were hoping it would have been the last day of witness testimonies,’ Jordan said.
Male victims between the ages of 12 and 13 years old have allegedly been assaulted by Wares. He is alleged to have rubbed his penis against the male victims and touched their penises and buttocks.
Wares also faces more than 70 charges in the United Kingdom (UK) related to similar offences.
A second state witness, believed to be the wife of one of Wares’ alleged victims, was scheduled to testify Thursday.
Her husband, known only as Stephen, completed his testimony in July.
According to IOL, Justice Minister Thembi Simelane has since confirmed that Wares will return to Scotland to face further child abuse charges.
It is not yet clear whether Wares intends to appeal or have his extradition to the United Kingdom reviewed.
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