In Conversation With Botlhale Modisane (spokesperson for The Tshegofatso Pule foundation)
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South Africa has been left reeling in shock and sorrow following the brutal killing of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, a pupil from Royal College in Florida, Gauteng. After weeks of public pressure and intense investigation, his mother, Tiffany
Jayden-Lee was last seen on the evening of 12 May 2025 when he was dropped off at his home in the Fleurhof residential complex. His disappearance sparked immediate concern, and his mother reported him missing later that night.
Just hours later, in the early morning of 13 May, security guards discovered the child's lifeless body on a staircase within the complex. He was partially clothed, and despite being rushed to hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The nation watched in disbelief as the story unfolded, with early suspicions cast on external actors—including the school transport driver.
The case took a dramatic turn when investigators—working with provincial forensic teams and the SAPS tracking unit—found blood traces in Jayden-Lee's home. Forensic testing linked the blood to the victim and was found on his bed, clothing, and backpack, suggesting the crime may have taken place inside the family home.
Police allege the body was staged on the staircase to mislead authorities and divert attention away from the true scene of the crime.
On 11 July 2025, authorities arrested Tiffany Meek, the child’s mother, after weeks of investigation. She appeared masked and visibly distressed in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on 14 July, where she was officially charged.
Jayden-Lee was last seen on the evening of 12 May 2025 when he was dropped off at his home in the Fleurhof residential complex. His disappearance sparked immediate concern, and his mother reported him missing later that night.
Just hours later, in the early morning of 13 May, security guards discovered the child's lifeless body on a staircase within the complex. He was partially clothed, and despite being rushed to hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. The nation watched in disbelief as the story unfolded, with early suspicions cast on external actors—including the school transport driver.
The case took a dramatic turn when investigators—working with provincial forensic teams and the SAPS tracking unit—found blood traces in Jayden-Lee's home. Forensic testing linked the blood to the victim and was found on his bed, clothing, and backpack, suggesting the crime may have taken place inside the family home.
Police allege the body was staged on the staircase to mislead authorities and divert attention away from the true scene of the crime.
On 11 July 2025, authorities arrested Tiffany Meek, the child’s mother, after weeks of investigation. She appeared masked and visibly distressed in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on 14 July, where she was officially charged.