Jayden's mom accused of lying and framing others in her son's murder

Legal counsel presented closing arguments during the bail hearing of Tiffany Meek at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

The 31-year-old from Fleurhof is facing charges for the murder of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek.

In addition to murder, Meek also faces charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

The State has called out Meek for deliberately shifting the focus of the investigation and the court's opinion with her defence tactics. 

The State alleges that Meek killed her son, went back to her apartment between 4 am and 5 am on May 14, 2025, to remove his body and place it anywhere else. It was also submitted that she tried to incriminate the school transport driver. 

“The totality of the evidence is circumstantial, but it is something that can be pursued to investigate. In this case, the State relies on a combination of forms of evidence, including indirect witness, human behaviour, physical evidence, and scientific evidence,” the State submitted. 

The State highlighted the fact that it was never argued that Jayden-Lee had never arrived home.

“The child lived with the applicant [Meek]. The child is home by 4 pm. It would be reasonable to accept that the applicant would be asking why he’s not home. Interestingly, according to the security guard, she does not ask about Jayden. The following morning, she said she was coming to change [clothes]. He [the security guard] noted she left hurriedly, and she did not change. She stated her transport was waiting for her, but she disappeared into the dark on foot,” the State submitted. 

Meek, who sat in the dock, closed her eyes and shook her head as the prosecutor continued. 

“Interestingly, as she leaves, someone finds the body of Jayden. He was found half-naked. The fact that he was found in this condition is an indication of a person in a hurry. She wanted to just get him out of the house. This is not far-fetched; he was not taken far. As stated by the defence, he was a heavy child; at 11 years old, he was 1.75 metres tall. Not surprisingly, looking at her [Meek] stature, it was the only effort she could muster,” the State said. 

The court further heard that the investigation was directed by the evidence, and the evidence eliminated many but led to one person, Meek. The State urged the court to take note of how the evidence was challenged. 

“She’s throwing around wild speculative suggestions. The applicant pre-empted the discovery of the school bag, which is why she put it in her affidavit. It is clear she was given this information. But she omitted her return to Swazi Place. 

“She was not aware of the evidence the investigating officer had. She was blindsided by that and by the detail that was recorded that night. She forgot she had already made a statement to the investigating officer. She forgot what she said,” he submitted. 

The State submitted that Meek was trying to create distance between her presence and the discovery. 

He said Meek, who gave an address in Verulam in Durban, should she be granted bail, was done strategically. He stated she was a flight risk and would still be able to financial resources. 

The State further submitted to the court it would be unfair to expect Durban SAPS to keep tabs on Meek, and it would be unreasonable to place the burden on her father. 

“We need to remember she is not facing a sentence that is a slap on the wrist. She faces life imprisonment. As the investigating officer mentioned, she may endanger the public should she be confronted,” the prosecutor submitted. 

At this stage, tears were streaming down Meek’s face as she continued to shake her head in disagreement. 

The State further claimed Meek was aware of the dangers to her life. 

He said the online petition opposing Meek’s bail after her arrest on July 11 was a true reflection of societal anger. 

By midday, the petition had over 6,200 signatures. 

The matter has been postponed until Tuesday, July 29, as Magistrate Annelin Africa is expected to deliver her judgment. 

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