After more than a week of stating their case, closing arguments in the Tiffany Meek bail hearing are expected in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Monday. 

Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, faces charges of murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. 

Legal counsel are expected to give their closing arguments before Magistrate Annelin Africa, who is set to decide Meek’s fate. 

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.

Meek’s lawyer, Noven Naidoo, concluded his cross-examination of the investigating officer on Friday. 

Naidoo brought up the fact that the police sergeant previously told the court it would be in Meek’s best interest to stay behind bars. 

The court heard the public outcry from not only residents from Fleurhof, but South Africans at large, needed to be taken into consideration when making a judgment. 

The police sergeant said South Africans are angered at Meek, who was initially at the forefront for justice for her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, yet she is now sitting in the dock for murder. 

Earlier this week, the court asked the investigating officer to provide the memorandum handed over to SAPS that he previously mentioned. 

Protest actions by residents at the Florida police station resulted in community activists calling for a police station in Fleurhof, more visible policing, and prioritising the murder of Jayden-Lee, days earlier.

Naidoo also referred to an IOL article where the man who allegedly murdered a 14-year-old was granted bail in the same court. 

“I am not familiar with the merits of that case,” the investigating officer said. 

Naidoo alluded that if this matter, which was allegedly premeditated, saw the court granting bail with only circumstantial evidence, the State in Jayden-Lee’s matter could also probably not have a strong case, and bail should surely be considered. 

“I do not agree with that. The State has a very strong case,” the police sergeant said. 

robin.francke@iol.co.za

IOL

Source link