Tiffany Meek denied bail in son's murder case as court weighs flight risk and public outrage

THE ROODEPOORT Regional Court has denied bail to Fleurhof mother Tiffany Meek, who stands accused of murdering her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek, whose body was found at their apartment complex a day after he was reported missing in May.

The 31-year-old mother wept quietly in the dock on Tuesday as the magistrate delivered the decision, following closing arguments in her bail hearing the day before.

Meek is facing charges of murder, crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice, and attempting to obstruct justice. She had applied for R5,000 bail, asserting her innocence and claiming she was being framed. Her defence lawyer, Noven Naidoo, argued she posed no flight risk and had met the legal requirements for release.

“In conclusion, there is no evidence before this court to even suggest that the applicant is a flight risk,” Naidoo told the court. “The learned magistrate, in her wisdom, should realise that with all the public outcry, there is no evidence that Mr Mnisi was harmed by the public.

"While the public is indeed angry with the applicant, why would they resort to murder? Kill the applicant and risk being also charged with murder. Everybody wants justice for Jayden-Lee, but that can only be achieved through a proper investigation and with the trial court making a determination on the matter.”

But the State opposed bail, citing Meek’s intention to relocate as a concern for effective monitoring. Prosecutors also pointed to her ability to work remotely as a possible avenue for evading oversight.

“If the applicant is released and goes to stay with her father, she will not have a stable address,” said the State prosecutor. “She can work remotely. That means she can work from anywhere, and she will continue to have financial resources.

"What I mean is that the applicant could be a flight risk. She is in another province. So we are asking someone somewhere in another police station who has no interest in this matter to keep tabs on her.”

IOL’s Siyabonga Sithole reported that the bail application was postponed on Monday for the final judgment to be delivered the following day.

The State earlier alleged that Meek had attempted to mislead investigators and shift blame onto a school transport driver. It also submitted that she removed Jayden-Lee’s body from their home between 4am and 5am on May 14.

The case continues.