The mother of the murdered 11-year-old Fleurhof boy, Jayden-Lee Meek, is back in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Friday as she has officially lodged a bail application.
31-year-old Tiffany Meek faces charges of murder, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
In a case that has shocked the country, police announced on Friday, 11 July, that a close family member had been arrested for Jayden-Lee’s murder.
Tiffany Meek made her first court appearance on Monday, 14 July, weeping uncontrollably in the dock.
Community members expressed their outrage, especially as it was Tiffany who had passionately pleaded for justice for her son’s murder in the days and weeks following his death.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing by his mother on 13 May and was later found unconscious on the staircase of the apartment where he resided. The boy had sustained multiple bruises, and he was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
Court papers filed on Monday revealed that Jayden-Lee died after being hit with an unknown hard object to the head.
It was also heard that blood was found on Jayden-Lee’s bed and his school books.
Evidence analysed by forensic experts reportedly reveals Jayden-Lee was killed in his home. His body was only found the following morning on the staircase.
In her lengthy bail application on Friday morning, Tiffany Meek’s lawyer read out an affidavit. In it, she denies all the charges against her and claims she was framed.
She asserts that all the evidence against her is circumstantial and that the family is considering appointing a private investigator, as they believe the police have bungled the investigation.
Meek says she fails to understand how she can be an accused when she was the one who fought for justice for her son, and detailed how he failed to return home from school on 13 May. She said police refused to open a missing persons case and accused them of failing in their duties.
Meek appealed to the court to release her on bail, arguing that she is a breadwinner for the family, that she is not a flight risk, and that she is eager to face the trial to clear her name. She says he can afford R5,000 bail.
Tiffany Meek will spend the weekend behind bars, as the bail hearing was postponed until Monday, 21 July, when the State will present evidence countering Meek’s affidavit.
Deputy Minister of Police Dr. Polly Boshielo, who addressed the media outside court on Monday, said Tifanny Meek’s arrest was executed following a “meticulous investigation” by a multidisciplinary team.
“This was not an easy case. We received backlash over the time it took, but thoroughness was crucial to ensure the case stands in court.”
She thanked police officers and the National Prosecuting Authority for their dedication, adding that the investigation remains open and more arrests may follow.
Jayden-Lee’s death has become a rallying point in the country’s ongoing fight against gender-based violence and crimes against children. Dr. Boshielo urged communities not to suffer in silence and called on the public to report abuse as early as possible.
“We cannot be everywhere, especially in homes and behind closed doors, and that’s why we rely on the community to speak out. Any type of abuse must be reported, and we urge community members, neighbours and family members to meet us halfway in the fight against GBVF. If there is suspicion that a child or any other person is being abused, please report it IMMEDIATELY TO your police station. I urge you to report different types of abuse, timely, so that we stop the continued loss of life – whether it be physical abuse of a child, child neglect, medical neglect, sexual abuse, verbal or emotional abuse – we are here to put a stop to it.”
This article was updated since it was first published
