The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development has said it will oppose a former teacher’s plea to have his extradition to Scotland reversed.
Also read: SA teacher wanted in the UK: Abuse victim calls for more to come forward
Iain Wares is facing over 70 charges of sexual assault, including sexual indecency, in the United Kingdom.
It was also stated that he was named in a BBC documentary, which claimed he groomed young boys while teaching at some of the country’s most prestigious boarding schools.
Last Monday, JCD Minister Thembi Simelane accepted Wares’ extradition at the age of 84. He faces similar claims in South Africa, where a former learner filed a lawsuit against him. He is scheduled to appear in court again in September about that case.
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On Friday, the JCD stated that it had received correspondence from Wares’ legal representatives.
‘Wares opposed the extradition and, on August 8, the Western Cape High Court confirmed the Magistrate’s decision that Wares is liable to be extradited to the UK. The court also declared section 10(1) of the Extradition Act unconstitutional,’ the department said in a statement.
‘We received correspondence from Wares legal representatives indicating that they will be consulting with their client on whether to appeal the judgment further,’ the department said.
It further stated that issues of gender-based violence and sexual offences are treated seriously.
‘In the interests of justice, the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development is intent that Wares is extradited soonest so that he faces the charges against him. Should he pursue this appeal, the Minister will vehemently oppose this matter,’ the department said.
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Also read:
Former SA teacher to be extradited on multiple abuse charges
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