First stage of trial in Winfrey school scandal ends

Story here. Excerpt:

'SEBOKENG, South Africa — The prosecution finished presenting witnesses Wednesday in the case of a woman accused of abusing six teenagers at Oprah Winfrey's school for poor South African girls, presenting a picture of a short-tempered, jealous young woman.

The testimony from the last prosecution witnesses wrapped up the first stage of the trial, which began more than a year ago.

The defendant, Tiny Virginia Makopo, allegedly tried to kiss and fondle the victims and is also accused of assaulting one of the girls as well as fellow supervisor. The 28-year-old pleaded innocent to 14 charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury.

Makopo's lawyer is expected to start the defense stage Monday. A verdict could be months away.

Much of the evidence so far has come from students who testified in a closed session because of their age.

The scandal erupted at Winfrey's $40 million school outside Johannesburg soon after it opened in 2007 amid great fanfare. Winfrey, who has spoken in the past about being sexually abused as a young girl, was devastated by the allegations.'