Former teacher Iain Wares has been found guilty of indecently assaulting a former pupil in Cape Town, marking a significant development in a case involving multiple allegations spanning decades.
The 86-year-old, who previously taught at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College, has been accused by numerous former pupils of historical abuse dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.
In this case, the victim identified as Stephen to protect his identity accused Wares of assault in the 1980s while he was teaching in South Africa. After a 35-year wait, the victim welcomed the verdict but noted that many others are still seeking justice.
The court ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, with Magistrate Vanessa Miki describing the victim as a credible witness.
Wares is due to be sentenced on 13 May.
The case is separate from ongoing extradition proceedings, as authorities in Scotland seek to bring him to trial over additional allegations. A court in Cape Town previously approved extradition on some charges, though the process has been delayed as more charges are considered.
Support group Women and Men Against Child Abuse, which assisted the victim, said it hopes the sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and continues to push for extradition so other survivors can see justice served.
Legal representatives for victims in Scotland described the ruling as a major milestone, while emphasising the need for swift cooperation between authorities to ensure further legal proceedings move forward.
Wares has denied the broader allegations and continues to challenge extradition.
