By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
The 31-year-old mother of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court in connection with her son’s murder.
Tiffany Meek is accused of the murder of her son Jayden-Lee Meek and defeating the ends of justice.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing in May 2025 by his mother and was later found unconscious on the staircase of the apartment he was residing at in Fleurhof. He was declared dead at the hospital.
According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by his school transport in the afternoon, but he never arrived home. The following day, his lifeless body was discovered undressed on a staircase within the residential complex where he lived.
The boy had sustained multiple bruises, and his body was found several hours after he was reported missing.
According to reports, his body was still warm and clean. He had no blood on him, but visible abrasions could be seen, indicating a possible assault.
The case was postponed to July 18 for a possible bail application and to allow for further investigations.
Deputy Minister of Police Polly Boshielo, who was in court, is not ruling out the possibility of more arrests regarding the murder of 11-year-old.
“It is rather unfortunate that Jayden was killed and found in the very space where he should have been safe and secure – his residential complex.
“This was not an easy case. We received a lot of backlash on our response and the time it took to ensure a breakthrough, but I must say – this type of case necessitated that our detectives conduct a thorough investigation and present a case that will be able to stand in court,” she said.
Fleurhof community members have expressed shock to learn that the accused in Jayden-Lee Meek’s murder is his own mother.
Thandi Khambule, said they did believe that when they learnt that the mother was involved in the matter.
“I didn’t believe it when I saw it on social media [that the mother is involved] because we were there on that day, that incident happened to Jaden, and that Jaden has passed away.
“We were camping outside the police station, fighting for the police to find the killer of Jaden-Lee.
“We were there shouting at the police, saying all sorts of things, not knowing that the devil is with us. So today I’m here to raise my voice. She doesn’t deserve bail,” Khambule said.
Katherine Prince said the latest development is saddening, with a worrying thought that the child’s mother might be responsible for his brutal killing.
“I have a special daughter. And we are supposed to protect our children. I mean, look at animals. Even animals protect their puppies, their kids. You understand my point? And for this, I don’t know. I don’t know. For a mother, she’s heartless.