Tiffany Meek’s bail bid nears pivotal moment

As Tiffany Meek’s bid for freedom enters a crucial phase, police have confirmed that five key witness statements remain outstanding — just days before closing arguments in the 31-year-old’s bail hearing are set to be heard in the Roodepoort Magistrate Court.

Meek is accused of murdering her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee, and defeating the ends of justice, among others.

The 31-year-old has been in custody since her arrest, and the court is expected to rule on her bail on Tuesday.

Investigating officer, Nceba Diko, wrapped up his cross-examination on Friday after spending two days in the witness box.

He told the court that although the investigation is nearly complete, delays in collecting certain statements were due to other competing casework.

“This is not the only case we are working on, we had other cases on our hands,” he explained.

Despite the delays, Diko says lab results are pending and investigators are confident the remaining statements will strengthen the state’s case.

He also reiterated his opposition to Meek’s release on bail, warning she may interfere with the ongoing probe.

However Meek’s lawyer, probed on that claim.

Outside the court, Fleurhof residents gathered in protest, voicing anger over the bail application and raising questions over the integrity of Meek’s initial involvement in the search for her son.

Community member, Petunia Chauke, was among those demanding justice, standing in the rain with placards.

Another resident said they feel betrayed after Meek joined them in searching for Jayden-Lee, only to later be accused of his murder.

The state’s case came under scrutiny during cross-examination, with Meek’s lawyer Noven Naidoo accusing police of mishandling evidence.

He argued that activist, Natalie Solomons, uncovered information police allegedly missed, including human fluid detected by a dog in a different flat than the one identified by police.

But Solomons dismissed this, saying the defence is now weaponising the efforts of the community to try absolve Meek.

With closing arguments set for Monday, both the state and defence will make their final submissions before the magistrate delivers a ruling on bail. Written by Lebohang Ndashe