South African police have arrested an 83-year-old teacher accused of being the pedophile known as “Jimmy Savile Mark II” who exploited boys at schools attended by Tony Blair and BBC presenter Nicky Campbell.

A retired teacher accused of stalking boys at two leading Scottish public schools has been arrested in South Africa.

The 83-year-old, who was nicknamed “Edgar” by former SNP leader Ian Blackford but whose real name cannot be released for legal reasons, was brought before the city’s Wynberg Magistrates’ Court this afternoon.

He was released on bail and will appear in court on April 13.

Dubbed “Jimmy Savile Mark II” by Blackford, Edgar is accused of crimes against boys at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College – the alma mater of former prime minister Tony Blair – in the 1970s. He denies the allegations.

BBC presenter Nicky Campbell, who attended the Academy in the 1970s, launched calls to bring him back to Britain to stand trial, with a court hearing due to take place later this year.

Former SNP leader Ian Blackford used parliament’s prerogative to name a man called “Edgar” who was accused of being a dangerous sex offender in the 1970s.

BBC presenter Nicky Campbell, who attended the Academy in the 1970s, sparked calls for ‘Edgar’ to be returned to Britain to face trial.

Edgar denies molesting students while teaching in Scotland and has also denied allegations of similar behavior after he moved to a prestigious school in Cape Town to teach.

He is currently subject to an arrest warrant from the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry which prevents his identification.

But former SNP leader Blackford used parliamentary prerogative to declare his alias “Edgar” in the House of Commons earlier this month.

During an education session in the House of Commons on January 16, Mr Blackford told MPs: “All of us in this House will make protecting school children from sexual predators a priority and I’m sure the Minister will be aware of Scottish child abuse. Investigating the horrific allegations made by a number of witnesses to events at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes Schools by a person known as “Edgar”.

The 83-year-old, nicknamed ‘Jimmy Savile Mark II’ by Blackford, is accused of crimes against boys at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College (pictured)

“I have a number of constituents who have grievances against ‘Edgar’.” This man has admitted inappropriate behavior and is currently fighting extradition from South Africa, where he has been publicly named.

“There are precedents (sic) in England where another suspect living in South Africa whose extradition is sought has been publicly named.

“We now know that dozens of boys have come to the police with allegations against the man called ‘Edgar.’ It is important that others who have been abused by this man can come forward.

“It’s good that his crimes against children are being mentioned – and it’s also good that he’s being mentioned now.”

T6D7DC T6D7DC Edinburgh Academy Independent School, Henderson Row, Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom

The 83-year-old is accused of crimes against boys at Edinburgh Academy (above) and Fettes College (above) – the alma mater of former prime minister Tony Blair – and has since moved to South Africa.

Earlier this month, Campbell, 61, claimed he saw “Edgar” attack his friend in his school’s changing rooms and described his behavior as “so pervasive” that all the students knew what was going on.

On the BBC Breakfast Mr. Campbell said: “He could be one of the most prolific pedophiles in British criminal history if you do the maths and look at how long he’s taught and how many schools he’s attended.”

After Campbell went public with the allegations, other former students at Edinburgh Academy and Fettes College came forward with stories of abuse.

Edinburgh Academy has since issued a public apology and says it is working with the police.

In a statement to the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry, Fettes College – whose alumni include former prime minister Tony Blair – issued a “full and unconditional apology”.

Edgar, who lives in a retirement home in Cape Town, was arrested by British police in South Africa in 2019 and a new extradition hearing was set for March 17.