Public outcry for Tiffany Meek's release on bail following son's tragic death
Tiffany Meek, 31, was denied bail on Tuesday, July 29.
Image: Timothy Bernard / IOL Graphics
An online petition has emerged, demanding that Tiffany Meek be released on bail to receive fair treatment and be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This comes after Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, was denied bail in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on July 29.
Meek, who is accused of murdering her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, is expected to appeal the bail decision.
She also faces charges of crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
Jayden-Lee Meek, 11, was returning home from school when he disappeared from inside his apartment complex.
Image: Supplied
It remains unclear as to who started the online petition that has garnered over 300 signatures.
According to the petition, Magistrate Annelin Africa “denied her [Meek] bail in a manner that went beyond legal requirements, relying on untested allegations and casting doubt on her innocence before trial had even begun. Numerous discrepancies and inconsistencies in the investigation raise serious questions about Tiffany’s involvement in the tragic events surrounding her son’s death.”
It further stated Meek’s detention was ‘unnecessary’ while coping with the loss of her son.
Swazi Place complex where Jayden-Lee Meek lived.
Image: Timothy Beranard/ Independent Newspapers
According to the petition, the consequences of having Meek detained are severe because:
- She is denied the opportunity to mourn and grieve her son properly and suffers serious emotional and psychological harm.
- Separation from her family means she cannot provide or receive support, intensifying the trauma.
- She faces legal disadvantages, as jail restricts her access to her lawyer, evidence, and witnesses needed to defend herself.
- Continued detention creates the appearance of guilt, which can prejudice the public and future court proceedings.
- Jail conditions can endanger her physical health and safety, especially under the stress of extreme emotional trauma.
- Undermining justice: Punishing Meek before any proof of wrongdoing.
It detailed the reason for the petition to place public pressure on the judiciary before Meek’s next court appearance later this month. It further stated that she had been detained for over two months, and her constitutional rights were violated
The petition demands that Meek’s bail application be reviewed immediately, she be granted ‘fair and equal treatment that every South African deserves’.
Meek was arrested on July 11 and has been in custody since then. She previously urged the court to grant her bail as she is the sole breadwinner of her family and stated she could afford R5,000.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13, after he failed to return home after school. Sadly, his lifeless, half-naked body was found on May 14 near the staircase in the Swazi Place complex just metres from the front door of his home.
Meek is expected back in court on September 17.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
Cape Argus