State claims Tiffany Meek lied and tried to frame others in son Jayden-Lee's murder

Tiffany Meek, deliberately shifted the focus of investigations into the murder of her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek, the State claimed in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

“The totality of the evidence is circumstantial, but it is something that can be pursued to investigate,” the State submitted during closing arguments in Tiffany Meek's bail hearing. 

“In this case, the State relies on a combination of forms of evidence, including indirect witness, human behaviour, physical evidence, and scientific evidence.”

Meek 31, from Fleurhof, is facing murder charges as well as charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13, 2025, and his body was found a few hours later, metres away from his home. 

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 4am and 5am 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 State highlighted the fact that it was never argued that Jayden-Lee had never arrived home.

Jayden-Lee lived with his mother and he was usually home by 4pm, the court heard.

“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],” the State submitted. 

“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.” 

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,” the State said. 

“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 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. 

“She could have given an address in Gauteng. She knows if released she stands a big chance she will be harmed. She knows her if she is released nearby, her last images alive will be in court,. She knows this, Her mother lives in Florida, why not that address? She knows the community is upset,” he submitted. 

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. 

“She was riding on societal sympathy after Jayden’s death. She was unceremoniously dismounted from societal sympathy and that’s why she does not want to find herself in that community,” the State submitted. 

Meek has asked the court to grant her R5,000 bail and would be willing to adhere to any bail restrictions set. 

“If she is released on bail, it will disturb public order. It will undermine public peace. She is a flight risk, and her life is in danger if she is to be released,” the State submitted. 

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

robin.francke@iol.co.za

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