Child sex trafficking trial: Midrand pair headed to High Court after investigation concludes

A Midrand couple accused of operating a child sexual trafficking ring is set to stand trial at the Johannesburg High Court.

Darren Wilken and his girlfriend, Tiona Moodley, face charges of manufacturing and distributing over ten million copies of child sexual abuse material.

Police arrested the pair at their operational base in January of this year.

In June, the State announced it was nearing the completion of its investigation, which involved sifting through dozens of terabytes of material containing child sexual abuse material.

On Tuesday, the State confirmed that it has finalised its investigations and is ready to proceed to trial. It has completed its witness list, which includes Moodley's mother.

Magistrate Anna Outsheizen stated: "The original record of these proceedings held so far in the district court will also be forwarded to the director of public prosecutions and any copies that may be required."

She added that Wilken would return to Johannesburg Prison.

"The matter is therefore postponed to the high court, Mr Wilken, you will remain in custody, and Miss Moodley, your bail is extended."

The matter has been postponed to February 2026.