Trial of former Oprah Winfrey school matron deferred

Washington, Aug 5 : The trial of a former matron at Oprah Winfrey's all-girl academy in South Africa has been deferred until October (08).

Former dorm matron Tiny Virginia Makopo was held in October (07) over 14 charges including assault, indecent assault and soliciting underage girls to perform indecent acts.

Makopo is accused of committing the crimes at Winfrey's Henley-on-Klip Leadership Academy.

The trial opened in Johannesburg on July 29, 08, with Makopo entering a not guilty plea to all charges against her.

However, on Aug 1, 08, the judge at Sebokeng Magistrate Court ruled the trial will resume on 22 October (08) - when testimony from the remaining victims will be heard.

The postponement has come as a blow to the prosecution - who had hoped the trial would be over this summer.

"I'm a bit sad. We were hoping to finish all six victims by now... We're going to try and see if we can finish all six of them in those three days," Contactmusic quoted State prosecutor Etienne Venter, as saying.

ANI