Tiffany Meek murder trial postponed to August as court fixes witness days

According to IOL, the trial of Tiffany Meek who has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 11-year-old son, Jayden-Lee Meek has been postponed until August, with the matter set down for August 19 and 20 in the Johannesburg High Court sitting in Palm Ridge.

Charges and pleas

According to IOL, the 32-year-old Meek pleaded not guilty to the murder charge. She also pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse, defeating the ends of justice, and crimen injuria.

Evidence so far: police testimony

According to IOL, Police Sergeant Rito Koveni took the stand on Friday. The sergeant told the court that Meek showed no panic or concern during the search for Jayden-Lee while the officer was searching for the missing child at Swazi Place after the disappearance was reported.

Cross-examination and disputed remarks

During cross-examination, it was suggested to the police officer that she had told Meek the complex security guard was intoxicated. The officer responded:

“I never said that. He was sober. She was the one who told me not to take note of him. He is always sleeping and smoking ganja.”

According to IOL, the defence said Meek will deny all these conversations, and the police officer had no objections to her denial.

Defence criticism of the search

According to IOL, the defence implied that the police did not do enough during the search and suggested officers did not knock on all the doors of the Swazi Place apartment complex. The officer completed her testimony and was excused.

Next witnesses and scheduling

According to IOL, the State is expected to call the school transport driver and a teacher to testify. While fixing dates for the resumed trial, the Judge indicated that no other matters will be heard on the days set out for trial and that he wants as many witnesses as possible to give their evidence on the days allocated.