CAPE TOWN – A Knysna businessman has been acquitted of all charges against him in the Circuit High Court in George on Friday.
Adrian Wilson-Forbes faced 79 charges, including statutory rape, abduction, indecent assault, trafficking of persons for sexual purposes and child pornography.
The court found the main witness to be unreliable.
Therefore, the state could not prove beyond reasonable doubt that the 60-year-old was guilty.
Judge Patricia Goliath said she believed the testimonies of the two female victims.
Due to discrepancies in when the incidents occurred, prosecutors could not prove that the victims were under the age of 16.
Wilson-Forbes said, “I’m relieved. It’s been very punishing and gruelling. I’ve got to try and look at rebuilding my life.”
