Mapaballo Borotho
- A Midrand couple facing nearly a thousand child-exploitation charges will stand trial in the Johannesburg High Court in 2026.
- The State has completed its extensive investigation, which included analysing dozens of terabytes of child sexual abuse material and preparing a witness list of 12 people, including Moodley’s mother.
- Moodley is out on bail under strict conditions, while Wilken remains behind bars ahead of their next court appearance in February 2026.
The high-profile child exploitation case involving a Midrand couple has officially been transferred to the Johannesburg High Court for pre-trial proceedings, paving the way for a full trial in 2026.
The pair, Tiona Moodley and Daren Wilken, appeared briefly in the Randburg Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, where the State confirmed it has finalised all investigations.
Moodley and Wilken face close to 1 000 charges, including the possession, creation, and distribution of child pornography, offering child sexual abuse material for sale, cyber fraud, and drug-related offences.
The couple was arrested in January 2025 at what police described as their “operational base’’ in Midrand.
In June, prosecutors announced they were close to concluding their extensive investigation, which involved combing through dozens of terabytes of child sexual abuse content.
On Tuesday, the State confirmed that it had completed the witness list, which includes Moodley’s mother, and that at least 12 witnesses are expected to testify.
Moodley is currently out on R15 000 bail under strict conditions, including a prohibition on contacting any witnesses, including her mother.
Wilken, believed by investigators to be the mastermind behind the operation, remains in custody.
The pair is expected back in court in February 2026 as pre-trial processes begin.
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