Meek murder trial: Crime-scene photographer to continue testimony

Photographs entered as evidence

On Monday, the officer took the witness stand after photographs from the inspection had been entered into the court record as evidence. The inspection was conducted in August and was attended by the judge, legal representatives and Meek.

The witness has 15 years of experience as a crime-scene photographer with the Krugersdorp Local Criminal Record Centre. During his evidence, he explained a series of photographs showing different areas connected to the investigation.

Among the images shown to the court was one of Meek standing at the gate of the apartment complex. In the photograph, she is seen pointing out the area where Jayden-Lee’s body was found.

The officer also described photographs taken in different parts of the family’s home. Such images form part of the visual record placed before the court as the prosecution presents evidence about the scene and the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.

K9 evidence at the centre of testimony

The court was also shown a photograph of a K9 dog lying on Jayden-Lee’s bed, on top of a red duvet.

The officer told the court he had been informed that the dog’s reaction indicated what was described as “a hit”. He explained that this meant the area where the dog reacted had tested positive for body fluid.

“A hit,” the officer explained, meant the area where the dog reacted was positive for body fluid.

The significance of that evidence will be considered alongside the rest of the testimony and exhibits presented during the trial. The photographer’s role is to explain what was recorded in the images and how the photographs relate to the inspection of the premises.

Charges against Tiffany Meek

Meek has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her son. She is also facing charges of child abuse, defeating the ends of justice and crimen injuria.

The continuation of the photographer’s evidence will give the defence an opportunity to question the account presented in court. Cross-examination is a standard part of a criminal trial, allowing an accused person’s legal representatives to test evidence and raise questions about the investigation.

The court will ultimately consider the photographic evidence together with all other evidence before reaching a decision. A photograph or individual piece of testimony does not, on its own, determine the outcome of a criminal case.

What happened to Jayden-Lee

Jayden-Lee was reported missing on 13 May 2025 after he apparently failed to return home from school.

His lifeless, half-naked body was found the following day near a staircase at the Swazi Place complex in Fleurhof. The body was located just metres from the front door of the family’s home.

Meek was arrested a month later and has remained in custody after a bail application failed.

The trial is continuing in the Johannesburg High Court in Palm Ridge. The crime-scene photographer is expected to finish his evidence before the next stage of questioning begins.