Gauteng couple indicted to high court for possession of 10 million child pornography images

THE case against a Gauteng couple, who were arrested and charged for the alleged possession of about 10 million copies of child pornography material, has been indicted to the high court. 

Darren Wilken, 34, and his girlfriend, Tiona Moodley, 25, who were nabbed in January this year, face several charges, including possession of child pornography, offering for sale of child pornography, distribution, transmission and sale of child pornography, cyber fraud, unlawful possession of a data device, unlawful interception of data, possession of drugs and  money laundering. 

They appeared briefly in Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday. 

Phindi Mjonondwane, spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in Johannesburg, said during their appearance, State advocate Colleen Ryan formally read the charges into the record and served the indictment. 

She said their arrests followed the receipt of intelligence from international law enforcement partners, which enabled the South African Police Service to identify a target within the country. 

“During the operation, authorities seized electronic devices allegedly containing millions of images and videos of child pornography, as well as hundreds of thousands of rand in cash, believed to be the proceeds of the alleged criminal activities. The State alleges that the accused hosted and distributed child-abuse material globally for financial gain,” she said. 

Mjonondwane added that the NPA remained steadfast in prioritising the protection of children. 

“It will continue to pursue the prosecution of all individuals involved in crimes that endanger their safety and well-being." 

The matter has been enrolled for pre-trial proceedings in the high court on February 19. 

Moodley is currently out on bail, while Wilken is in prison custody.

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