JOHANNESBURG – The tragic death of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has gripped the nation, with his own mother, Tiffany Nicole Dunn Meek, 31, now accused of his murder. The young boy, who went missing on May 13, 2025, was allegedly struck with a blunt object, resulting in his death, inside his Fleurhof apartment, according to evidence presented to the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.
Deputy Police Minister, Shela Polly Boshielo, who attended the court appearance, expressed her profound shock at the circumstances. “Unfortunately, Jayden was killed and found in the very space where he should have been safe and secure…his residential complex,” Boshielo said, underscoring the betrayal of trust at the heart of this tragedy. She assured the public that the investigating team is working tirelessly to build a solid case for the State, and did not rule out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation unfolds.
The charge sheet presented to the court paints a grim picture. The State intends to prove that Meek struck her son with a yet-to-be-identified blunt object. Forensic analysis has revealed bloodstains on Jayden-Lee’s bed, his school clothes, and his schoolbag, all found within the apartment. This evidence strongly suggests that the young boy was murdered inside his own home, before his body was moved to the nearby passageway. Adding to the mystery, his body was found clean and warm, with visible abrasions.
The day Jayden-Lee’s body was identified was meant to be a day of celebration and promise. His parents were scheduled to sign documents that would have paved the way for him to pursue his dream of playing soccer in Spain. This cruel irony was revealed by Jayden’s uncle, Owen Meek, during a TikTok Live hosted by community activist Althea Cluff.
“Jayden was selected to play soccer in Spain,” Owen Meek said, his voice filled with grief. “The day his parents were supposed to go sign the documents, they went to identify his body. How crushing is that? This is what we are doing to our next generation.”
Owen Meek’s words capture the profound sense of loss and injustice felt by the family. “How does anyone not know that that child could have looked after his mom and entire family?” he asked, highlighting the potential that has been tragically extinguished. “That was taken from him, and it’s not right. It is unimaginable for any parent to go through this.”
Despite the gravity of the accusations against his former sister-in-law, Owen Meek expressed conflicting emotions. “I don’t hate her. I believe she loved Jayden. But my gut says she did not act alone. She has to face the law. There are others involved, and she knows who. That’s why she cannot get bail,” he said, suggesting a belief that Meek may have been influenced or assisted by others.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing on the evening of May 13, 2025, after his scholar transport dropped him off at the Fleurhof apartment complex around 4 pm. He attended the Royal College in Florida. His mother initially claimed she had been working from home and grew concerned when he did not return. He was never seen alive again.
Phindi Mjonondwane, NPA regional spokesperson for the Gauteng Division in Johannesburg, confirmed the NPA’s commitment to securing justice for Jayden-Lee. “The accused remains in custody. The NPA remains committed to ensuring justice for victims in similar cases and will continue to hold perpetrators accountable,” Mjonondwane stated.
Cluff and Owen Meek revealed details of Meek’s behaviour in the weeks following Jayden-Lee’s disappearance that, in hindsight, raised alarm bells. “There were a lot of smoke screens. Tiffany’s brother, who was always the mouthpiece, kept postponing funeral planning meetings. Eventually, they arrived late and disinterested,” Cluff recalled.
The family also alleges that Meek attempted to exclude Jayden-Lee’s father from the funeral arrangements. “She didn’t want the father to have access to Jayden’s body. She told us he shouldn’t be part of anything. She said with her own mouth, ‘He’s not going to be a part of it.’ I told her, ‘When parents divorce, it has nothing to do with the child. You’re doing an injustice to him,’” Cluff said.
Owen Meek addressed the public scrutiny directed at the Meek family, stating, “People must stop asking, ‘Where was the father? Where were the Meeks?’ Tiffany married into the Meek family. Jayden was born a Meek. We’re not implicated in this.”
Both Cluff and Owen Meek described Meek’s demeanour in the weeks leading up to her arrest as lacking remorse. “She showed no remorse. She was rude, controlling, and fought with us even at Jayden’s campout,” said Cluff. “But the moment she was arrested, she cried. Two different people.”
The family believes that Meek’s actions were part of a deliberate attempt to conceal the truth and control the narrative. “She once told me, ‘You’re the only Meeks here. The rest are gone.’ That hurt. We were there to help,” Owen Meek said. “I walked next to her. She hugged my children. We marched together. Never for one moment did I think she was involved.”
The community is on edge, with Owen Meek expressing concerns about potential vigilante action if Meek is released on bail. “If she gets bail, I fear for what might happen. She must be protected until she can talk. We need to know who helped her, why they did it, and what really happened to Jayden,” he said.
Despite the anger and grief, Owen Meek emphasised that the family is focused on seeking justice, not revenge. “I’m not angry at her. I’m angry at what was done to him. They left him naked. No dignity. No child deserves that. She has to talk. But we cannot fall apart now as a family.”
Meek, who was seen shedding tears in the dock, has indicated that she will be represented by a private attorney. She is scheduled to return to court on Friday, July 18, 2025, for bail information and for her attorney to officially come on record.
A memorial gathering in Jayden-Lee’s honour will be held this Saturday in Fleurhof Extension 29, hosted by a community member. Cluff explained that the gathering will serve as a way to remember Jayden-Lee and honour his life through good deeds, a tradition inspired by Islamic practice. “It’s simply about remembering Jayden and the many children who loved him,” Cluff said.
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