Alleged child pornography distributor bail application postponed

-

RANDBURG - The Randburg Magistrates’ Court postponed the case of the alleged child pornography distributors Darry Wilken(35) and his partner Tiona Moodley(25) to 07 February 2025. Wilken was arrested after a police raid in his Midrand home on 17 January 2025. Following further investigation, Moodley was allegedly linked and subsequently arrested on 25 January 2025, in Houghton.

Both accused face multiple charges, including possession, creation and distribution of child pornography, contravention of the Drug Trafficking Act, multiple counts of money laundering, acquisition, and possession of proceeds from unlawful activities, possession of stolen property and fraud. The arrests emanated from information that was shared by international law enforcement with the South African Police Services (SAPS) after they had identified a target located in South Africa. 

The state alleges that the accused were found in possession of a substantial amount of cash believed to be proceeds from the illicit activities. Furthermore, the state alleged that an investigation by the Serial and Electronic Crime Investigations (SECI) teams uncovered evidence that the suspect was allegedly hosting and distributing child pornography internationally for financial gain. The police further seized electronic devices allegedly used by the accused in creating and distributing child pornography as well as over 10 million images and videos of child pornography.

Moodley’s electronic devices were also seized, and it is alleged that there was an attempt by her to destroy evidence relating to their conducting of the business shortly after Wilken was arrested, in a ploy to minimise her role in the business. Senior State Advocate Colleen Ryan opposed bail during the proceedings. The defence requested a postponement to prepare a response to the state's affidavit which was compiled by the Investigating Officer.

Comments

Post a Comment

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

WOMAN KILLED AFTER ROCK THROWN FROM BRIDGE ONTO R24 NEAR BEDFORDVIEW

-
Image
BEDFORDVIEW - A woman was killed on Friday morning after a large rock was allegedly thrown from the Concord Road Bridge onto the R24 freeway near Bedfordview, east of Johannesburg. The rock smashed through the windscreen of her vehicle on the eastbound carriageway, shortly before the Gillooly’s Interchange, at approximately 07:38. The impact caused fatal head injuries. The driver subsequently lost control of the vehicle, which crashed into the roadside barriers. She was declared dead at the scene. Ekurhuleni Metro Police confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened at Bedfordview SAPS. Authorities are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or may have information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Read more

MTN 8 results: Orlando Pirates takes lead against Sekhukhune United

-
Image
POLOKWANE - Orlando Pirates gained a slight upper hand in their MTN8 semifinal tie against Sekhukhune United, winning 1-0 in the first leg fixture played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The win, along with the crucial away goal, gave them the advantage ahead of the deciding leg set to take place at Orlando Amstel Arena in a week’s time. It also extended their unbeaten run in the competition, which now stands at 11 matches since their last defeat.
Read more

HUSBAND TO APPEAR IN COURT FOR RAPE OF HIS WIFE

-
Image
FREE STATE - A 50-year-old suspect, who is the husband of the victim, will appear in Zastron magistrate court soon on a charge of rape. This is after the incident that happened at their home in Refeng-kgotso in Zastron.   The 54-year-old victim alleges that on Friday, 14 August 2026, at 02:00, she was at home busy with her clients as she is a Sangoma. Her husband came to her and demanded to be intimate with her. The victim refused as she was busy working. The suspect grabbed her and forcefully took her to the room. He undressed both of them and violated her without consent. After he finished, he got into bed and went to sleep. During the morning of Friday, 18 August 2026, at 07:00, the victim decided to report the incident. A case of rape was opened and is being investigated by the Smitfield Family Violence Child Protection and Sexual Offenses Unit.
Read more

Parliament approves extension of driving license card validity

-
Image
CAPE TOWN - Parliament has approved the extension of driving license card validity in South Africa, which will increase the time between renewals from 5 to 10 years. Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni confirmed the approval in a post-Cabinet briefing on 30 July. Cabinet approved the extension of the validity period for license codes A, A1, B and EB, Ntshavheni said. However, this will only apply to light motor vehicles. Heavy, commercial and transport vehicles will adhere to the current renewal cycles of between two and five years, and professional licenses will remain on the two-year cycle.
Read more