Tiffany Meek accused of misleading SAPS as details of Jayden-Lee’s death emerge

Tiffany Meek’s bail bid is officially underway at the Roodepoort Magistrates Court, where the state has accused the 31-year-old of deliberately misleading police during the investigation into her son’s disappearance and death.

On Monday, the first witness — Investigating Officer Cebo Diko — took the stand, delivering harrowing testimony about the events of May 13 and the day that followed, when 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek was found dead near the flat he shared with his mother.

“The cause of death was determined to be consistent with blunt force head injuries, and those injuries were not noted when police officers observed the body, only when the postmodern was done, the doctor who did the postmodern noticed the injury on the head,” alleged Diko.

The court heard that traces of Jayden-Lee’s blood were found on a pillow and mattress inside their home, suggesting he had returned there — contradicting Meek’s initial claims.

Wearing a grey two-piece tracksuit, Meek appeared more composed than in previous appearances, quietly listening as the officer unpacked the details that could shape the state’s case.

On the day her son was reported missing, police — alongside the Meek family — searched the premises of the transport driver who last dropped Jayden-Lee off. But testimony from a fellow pupil revealed the boy was seen entering the complex, with multiple witnesses confirming the sighting.

According to Diko, Meek told the police that her son never made it home, but his blood-stained school uniform, books, and bag were later discovered inside her flat. A toxicology report has since ruled out poisoning as a cause of death.

The court also heard that Meek chose to spend the night at her mother’s house, despite knowing her son was missing.

The investigating officer questioned her judgment, asking: “Who would’ve let him in if he had come back?”

“When she walked out to her place supposedly at 05:23, if the child was there she could have seen the child. As I said, 05:30 people who said they were leaving the flat, they saw no child there. Immediately when she (Tiffany Meek) left the child was seen there,” continued Diko.

In a further twist, Meek claims the police altered her original statement, alleging that key parts of her account were changed without her consent.

Officer Diko confirmed discrepancies between her sworn affidavit and the official police transcript, though Meek only admitted to recognising parts of it.

Diko also told the court that tenants who left the complex earlier that day did not see Jayden-Lee’s body. It was only after Meek returned — and then left again — that the child’s body was discovered just 8 to 10 metres from their flat.

The officer further testified that Meek interfered with the version of events given by a security guard, who was on duty at the time.

“He was telling police officers that he saw the child entering in the complex; he’s the one who opened for the child after he got off the transport. And as he was giving the answers, the applicant interjected and said no you are not telling the truth,” said Diko.

The case has been postponed to Tuesday, where Diko will continue with his testimony.

Meek has been charged with murder, defeating the ends of justice, crimen injuria, and attempting to obstruct the administration of justice. Written by Lebohang Ndashe