Matron on trial in Oprah school abuse case

A former dormitory matron is going on trial accused of abusing pupils at a school Oprah Winfrey established for disadvantaged girls in South Africa.

Tiny Virginia Makopo is expected to plead not guilty to charges of indecent assault, assault and criminal injury.

Police say six teenage students and a fellow dormitory matron were abused over four months.

Prosecutor Etienne Venter says the six girls will give evidence in a session closed to the public.

He described the girls as "very scared and very, very emotional".

The trial is expected to last until Friday.

US talk show host Winfrey, who was a victim of child abuse herself, has promised an overhaul of the school and says she has apologised to parents.