The murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has taken a turn after his mother, Tiffany Nicole Meek, 31, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday, charged with his murder.
Tiffany, who was seen visibly emotional and weeping in the dock, was arrested on July 12, following an intensive investigation by Florida SAPS detectives. Detectives were assisted by the provincial investigative and tracking units.
She faces multiple charges, including murder, defeating the ends of justice, crimen injuria, and obstructing the course of justice.
What happened to Jayden-Lee?
Jayden-Lee was reported missing by his mother in May 2025 after he failed to return home from school.
According to police, he had been dropped off by school transport in the afternoon, but never made it to his family’s apartment in Fleurhof.
His body was discovered the following day. He was found lying undressed on a staircase inside the residential complex. He had sustained multiple bruises, with visible abrasions on his body. While there was no blood, reports indicate his body was still warm and clean, suggesting the assault had occurred shortly before his discovery. Authorities rushed him to the hospital, but the child was declared dead on arrival.
The arrest and reaction
Initially unnamed, the suspect was revealed to be his own mother, Tiffany Meek, a “close family member” according to earlier police statements. Her arrest shocked the community and sparked further outrage among activists and residents alike.
The murder of Jayden-Lee sparked outcry in the community and across the country. In May, members of the Women Empowerment Platform (WEP), led by founder Natalie Solomons, travelled from Johannesburg to Cape Town to picket outside Parliament, demanding decisive action and accountability.
Community leaders and organisations have also called on the Portfolio Committee on Police to prioritise the case and ensure justice is not delayed.
“This was not an easy case,” said SAPS in a statement. “We received a lot of backlash about how long it took, but the nature of this case required that we move carefully and thoroughly. We wanted a case that would stand up in court.”
What happens next?
Police confirmed that a warrant of arrest was issued and executed on July 11 2025, based on the evidence presented to the NPA.
The case has been postponed to July 18 2025, for a possible bail application. Prosecutors are expected to oppose bail, citing the gravity of the offence and community outrage.
Meanwhile, police have not yet revealed a motive, and investigations are ongoing. Additional charges may follow depending on the outcomes of forensic analysis and witness statements.
