Tiffany Meek appears in court as her bail hearing continues investigators raise serious safety concerns, urging caution while the nation awaits justice for young Jayden-Lee. Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
(The Post News)- The bail hearing of 31-year-old Tiffany Meek, charged in connection with the tragic death of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek, continued Wednesday at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court. The emotionally charged case has captured national attention, with many South Africans closely following each development.
In her affidavit, Meek maintained her innocence, stating, “I fail to understand how I am charged with the murder of my son when I was the one fighting for suspects to be found. I deny any wrongdoing and deny any offence against me.” She detailed that on the day Jayden-Lee went missing, she was working from home and only realized he had not returned after failing to contact him. Due to lack of airtime, she asked her mother to check with the school transport, which confirmed that Jayden had been dropped off at 4:45 p.m.
Meek also claimed that when she reported her son missing, the police refused to open a missing persons docket immediately, citing a mandatory 24-hour waiting period. She alleged that police declined to conduct door-to-door searches in her apartment complex because it was after 9 p.m. and they lacked search warrants. Regarding the discovery of Jayden-Lee’s body, Meek stated that she was only informed at 6:50 a.m., despite the body being found earlier, and expressed concern that “My son could still have been alive if he had been taken to the hospital immediately or if an ambulance had responded.”
Additionally, Meek highlighted her employment as an executive assistant at the JumpStart Foundation and noted she is the primary breadwinner for her family.
However, during the hearing, the State challenged several of these claims. Lead investigator Sergeant Linda Duma testified that Meek failed to disclose her return to the Swazi Place apartment complex at approximately 4 a.m. on July 14, and her departure shortly after 5:30 a.m., just before Jayden-Lee’s body was discovered. Sgt. Duma emphasized the importance of an accurate timeline for justice.
Contrary to Meek’s claim that her son’s school bag was not photographed, Duma confirmed that it was documented and subsequently sealed as evidence.
Meek’s assertion that sniffer dogs reacted to a security flat, which police allegedly refused to search without a warrant, was also refuted; Duma clarified that security guards never occupied a flat at the complex.
Regarding blood evidence, Meek said blood-stained underwear and bed sheets were found, but Duma stated no blood was observed on those items, only traces on a towel that was not collected.
Meek’s confidence that she would have been arrested immediately if guilty was addressed by Duma, who explained arrests follow comprehensive investigations, including lab analysis and post-mortem reports, which can take time.
Beyond the investigation, the court also heard serious concerns about Meek’s safety should bail be granted. Sergeant Nceba Diko warned of risks given the intense public outcry, saying, “There is a real risk to her safety given the strong public sentiment. My main concern is that she will not be safe outside.” He added that community unrest and possible retaliation could follow if Meek were released.
Sergeant Duma echoed these concerns, adding: “There are already perceptions that we are failing as a state to deliver justice. If she is seen walking freely while this matter is ongoing, people may react in anger.”
The bail hearing is scheduled to resume on Friday, 25 July 2025, as both legal teams prepare further arguments. The court’s final decision on bail remains highly anticipated.
As the proceedings continue, the public is encouraged to stay informed through verified news sources and to allow the justice system to unfold without interference.
Please share your thoughts contact Thembeka via email: journalist-thembeka@thepostnews.net
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