Former teacher surrenders to authorities over international child abuse charges

FORMER SA teacher, Iain Wares, 86, has handed himself over to the authorities at the Simon’s Town courthouse, in the latest UK consolidation request of charges relating to the sexual and physical abuse of 65 boys, with the indictment listing 90 charges in total.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

IAIN Wares, 85, accused of multiple sexual assaults. | FILE

Just two weeks ago, Wares, who is facing a separate case in Cape Town, South Africa, dating back to four decades ago involving an allegation of indecent assault of a former learner of his at Rondebosch Boys Preparatory, denied the claims while taking the witness stand. Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that Wares went directly to the court house to face his fate.

Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) who has been advocating for the victims in the matter for years said this was a victory.

“After decades of evasion and 7 years of administrative delay, the arrest marks a watershed moment for survivors and advocates on both sides of the equator”

Wares was granted bail and will return to court on November 20, when the magistrate will determine whether he is extraditable on those charges, WMACA indicated.

“We believe that the Minister of Justice will then issue a Section 11 surrender warrant for Interpol to arrest Wares, once we hear the judgment in the local case, and he can be flown to Scotland”