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Cape Town - Australian authorities have sent a formal extradition request for convicted paedophile Anthony Freedendal, who is currently behind bars for the sexual abuse of eight Cape Town children.
The 76-year-old appeared in the Wynberg Magistrate's Court on Tuesday over his extradition to Australia, where he is wanted for evading trial.
He faces 15 charges of indecent assault, five of persistent sexual offences with a child, and four charges of sexual intercourse with a minor in Australia.
He was released on bail in Australia and travelled to Cape Town in 2011. He never returned.
His attorney, William Booth, said his client was to have been released after serving 10 months of his five-year sentence.
He has been behind bars for 18 months already, following his sentencing last year for sexual offences, reportedly involving three boys and five girls in Cape Town who attended the same church as him.
Wife in court
Freedendal was due for release under correctional supervision on August 5.
"He is serving a sentence which has come and gone," Booth argued, saying that Freedendal should have been released and rearrested.
Freedendal was arrested by Interpol in Pollsmoor prison last month at the request of Australian authorities.
His court appearance was part of an eventual extradition application.
Formal extradition documents from Australian authorities were presented on Tuesday.
Freedendal's wife was also present during proceedings.
"I'm glad you came," he said to her as he made his way into court.
The matter was postponed to October 21.
