Iain Wares faces extradition hearing over 90 charges of child abuse
Former school teacher, Iain Wares.
Image: file
The former SA teacher Iain Wares, who handed himself over to authorities in the latest consolidation of charges relating to sexual and physical abuse of 65 boys, with an indictment listing 90 charges in the UK, is expected to face his extradition hearing in April.
Wares made an appearance at the Simonstown Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday following a recent Constitutional Court outcome relating to his continued release on bail. During proceedings, Wares was informed by Magistrate Lutfie Rhodie that he would be back in the dock on April 16, for his extradition hearing to proceed.
According to Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA), which has diligently attended proceedings, Wares had appointed Advocate Ben Prinsloo as his legal counsel, a senior counsel specialising in extradition law.
“Defence counsel advised the court that Prinsloo is already fully acquainted with the matter, having previously represented Wares in related Constitutional Court proceedings,” said WMACA.
“According to information placed before the court, Wares is actively opposing extradition to Scotland, where he is sought by authorities to face approximately 90 charges, including allegations of rape, sexual assault, assault, and breach of the peace.
“The charges arise from allegations that Wares sexually abused at least 65 boys aged between 8 and 13 over an eleven-year period while employed as a mathematics teacher and rugby coach in Edinburgh between 1968 and 1979.”
The organisation detailed that Wares, 86, resides in Fish Hoek, was arrested in South Africa in October 2024 following an Interpol notice and has already been ruled extraditable on three counts of indecent assault.
“WMACA emphasises that while procedural fairness and constitutional safeguards are fundamental, prolonged delays in matters involving alleged serial child sexual abuse continue to undermine survivor wellbeing, public confidence in the justice system, and international justice cooperation.”
Wares is facing a separate case, dating back to four decades, involving an allegation of indecent assault of a former learner of his at Rondebosch Preparatory Boys. He denied the claims while taking the witness stand.
During his time on the stand in October, Wares claimed he did not physically or sexually abuse the Cape Town victim during the 1980s. The local victim, dubbed “Stephen,” took the witness stand a year ago, claiming he was abused by Wares, who had been his teacher at Rondebosch Boys’ Preparatory during 1988.
Wares is accused of indecently assaulting the male victim by touching his buttocks and rubbing against him.
Earlier, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Eric Ntabazalila, spokesperson, confirmed Wares was arrested and appeared in court charged with 90 new counts, which include 60 counts of sexual assault, four counts of rape, 25 counts of assault, and a count of crimen injuria,” Ntabazalila stated.
Wares was granted R10,000 bail on the same day.
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