Trial of Tiffany Meek opens in Johannesburg over death of son Jayden‑Lee

Charges and plea

Tiffany Meek, 32, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of her 11‑year‑old son, Jayden‑Lee Meek. She has also pleaded not guilty to charges of child abuse, defeating the ends of justice and crimen injuria.

State to call first witness

The State indicated it will call its first witness on the opening day of the trial. It remains unclear who that witness will be.

Plea offer and Meek’s decision

According to reporting that cited Newzroom Afrika, Meek’s legal team said the State offered a plea deal: if she pleaded guilty to culpable homicide she would face no jail time. Meek declined the offer and, going against the advice of her legal representatives, chose to proceed to trial.

“She wanted her day in court.”

Background: disappearance and discovery

Jayden‑Lee was reported missing on 13 May 2025 after he failed to return home from school. His body was found the following day, 14 May 2025, near a staircase in the Swazi Place complex, just metres from the front door of his home. The reporting described the child as lifeless and half‑naked when discovered.

Arrest and custody

Meek was arrested on 11 July 2025. She has remained in custody since then after a bail application was refused.

What to expect

The trial is underway at the Palm Ridge division of the Johannesburg High Court. Proceedings began with the State signalling it would call its first witness on the opening day.