Iain Wares extradition: Child protection organisation hopes for swift end to case

Child protection organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) has said they are hopeful the long-running extradition case of an alleged paedophile former teacher, Iain Wares, will soon be concluded.

The 86-year-old teacher, who has been living in South Africa, is wanted by authorities in the United Kingdom to face multiple charges of sexual abuse involving children.

He appeared in the Simon's Town Magistrates Court on Tuesday, where he appointed extradition law specialist advocate Ben Prinsloo to represent him.

Wares face 90 charges related to the sexual and physical abuse of more than 60 small boys in Scotland five decades ago.

READ: Constitutional Court upholds bail for alleged sexual offender Iain Wares

A new date for April 16 has been set for the actual extradition hearing of Wares, to confirm the charges he is to be extradited on.

WMACA's Miranda Jordan said bringing Wares back to the UK would send a strong message that distance and time do not shield those accused of abusing children from facing justice.

"We would really like to know how a retired schoolteacher affords years of high-powered lawyers costing millions of rands who are helping him to avoid justice," said Jordan.

She's urged the courts to prioritise the well-being of victims who have waited years for their voices to be heard.