Health issues delay sentencing for convicted paedophile Iain Wares until August

Sentencing for 86-year-old former teacher Iain Wares has been postponed after a detailed sick note presented at the Wynberg Regional Court confirmed he is booked off sick until July 28. The National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila said Wares is expected to appear in court on August 24, when sentencing arguments will be heard and defence reports submitted.

Medical issues raised in court

At a recent hearing the court was told Wares attended a hospital consultation and was diagnosed with shingles. The consulting doctor issued a sick note stating the patient was in severe pain.

Wares’ legal counsel, William Fullard, previously told the court that Wares’ medication makes him feel drowsy and unsteady, and that this effectively prevents him from following court proceedings while receiving treatment.

Criticism from child‑protection group

The organisation Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA) issued a statement saying the delays were concerning and urged the justice system to conclude the matter.

“(We) understand that only a medical practitioner can accurately ascertain Mr Wares’ health situation. However, it would not be far-fetched to suspect that another tactic against justice is being deployed. With poor health being likely in elderly perpetrators, the sickness excuse is a soft option, especially when sentencing is imminent.

“Again, it must be stressed that this case has been stretched, with unacceptable elasticity, to three-and-a-half years. Since being convicted in March 2026 of the indecent assault of a local schoolboy in the 1980s, Mr Wares, who is fighting extradition to the UK on numerous sexual assault charges, remains a free man. Furthermore, the re-victimisation of the survivor in this case is compounded by cruel delays and postponements.”

WMACA urged that the justice system “show a commitment to child protection by incarcerating this dangerous paedophile”.

Case background

Wares, a former Rondebosch Boys Primary teacher, was convicted in March 2026 of the indecent assault of a local schoolboy in the 1980s. He is also contesting extradition to the UK, where he faces charges relating to the sexual and physical abuse of 65 boys, and an indictment lists 90 charges.

Following his conviction, Wares remains free on an R10,000 extended bail.

Next steps

The court is scheduled to hear sentencing arguments and receive defence reports on 24 August, according to the NPA spokesperson.