Community demands justice for Jayden-Lee Meek at Roodepoort Magistrate's Court
Scores of community and children's rights activists have gathered outside the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court for the appearance of a close family member in the murder of Jayden Lee Meek.
Image: Siyabonga Sithole
The community of Fleurhof, Johannesburg, and scores of children's right activists have called for justice to be served in the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, who allegedly died at the hands of a close family member in May this year.
Outside the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday, scores of concerned community members picketed ahead of the first court appearance of the relative.
Thoko Khambule from Fleurhof stated that the community, which came out in their numbers to mourn the mysterious death of the learner, is shocked by the alleged involvement of a family member whose responsibility was to protect and nurture Jayden-Lee Meek.
"We want justice to be served for Jayden-Lee Meek's death. If indeed, the mother is involved in the murder, we want her to answer to the community. We were there with her as she was mourning the death of her child, not knowing that she is somehow involved. We call on the justice system to do the right thing as we want answers from her," she said.
Joburg Speaker Margaret Arnolds arriving at the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
City of Joburg speaker, Margaret Arnolds, speaking outside the court, stated: "As a survivor of rape and abuse, who has spoken openly about GBV, what we want to see today is justice. We want justice to be served regardless of who is involved. We cannot allow a situation where our children are not safe even in their homes."
On Friday, Gauteng police confirmed that a 31-year-old close family member was arrested in connection with the murder and was due to appear before the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Jayden Lee Meek's mother, Tiffany Meek, appears in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Last month, IOL reported that residents of Fleurhof marched to the Florida police station in Gauteng, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said the relative was arrested on Friday morning following extensive investigations by Florida detectives with the assistance of the provincial investigative unit and tracking team.
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.
“A case of murder was opened, and police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the woman. She is expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on (Monday) 14 July 2025 on a charge of murder,” said Nevhuhulwi.
Gauteng police top brass attend the murder case of Jayden Lee Meek.
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
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.
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.
When relatives were notified, Jayden-Lee was rushed to the hospital; however, he was declared dead on arrival.
This is a developing story.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za