Child porn case: State opposing bail for Tiona Moodley

JOHANNESBURG - The State is opposing bail for a Midrand woman linked to millions of child sexual abuse videos and photos, arguing she tried to delete the evidence.

Tiona Moodley was arrested a week after an FBI-led investigation uncovered an estimated 10 million videos and images of child sexual exploitation.

Her boyfriend, Darryn Wilken, was taken into custody first, with authorities returning a few days later to arrest Moodley.

But as she presented arguments for her release at the Randburg Magistrates Court, the State revealed that she allegedly attempted to erase crucial digital evidence before her arrest.

State advocate Colleen Ryan did not mince her words as she laid out why Moodley and her partner should remain behind bars.

READ: Child pornography case postponed

She told the court that Moodley, a web designer, was not just a passive participant but actively attempted to destroy files linked to the case.

"Applicant 2 has already attempted to destroy evidence. They simply need a device that connects to the internet to erase what we are still investigating."

With the volume of material under investigation, the State insisted that releasing the pair would not only pose a risk to the case but also threaten public peace and security.

And with allegations that Moodley tried to erase critical evidence, prosecutors argued that granting her bail would open the door to further interference, making it nearly impossible to uncover the full extent of the operation.

For now, the court must decide whether the accused should remain in custody or be released under strict conditions.