There were reactions of joy and jubilation outside the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Tuesday as the court denied bail to Tiffany Meek.

The decision was welcomed by City of Joburg Speaker, Margaret Arnolds, and other activists who have been camping outside the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.

Meek is accused of murdering her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, in May. He was found near a staircase in their residential complex, the morning after she reported him missing.

The State, which opposed bail, had argued that there had been inconsistencies in the 31-year-old mother’s statements.

“ The applicant failed to satisfy this court that she discharged the onus to prove on a balance of probabilities that the interest of justice permits the release from detention in terms of Section 60 (B) of the Act; therefore, bail is accordingly refused for the applicant,” ruled Magistrate Annelin Africa.

Speaking outside court, Arnolds said the bold decision by the court reinforces the seriousness of the matter, which has attracted public outcry.

“We welcome the court’s decision to deny bail in this deeply painful and emotionally charged matter. This is the case that has shaken our communities and pierced the conscience of our City. The denial of bail is a step toward ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of the judicial process,” she said.

The Speaker reflected that while there is a need to uphold judicial independence, the public outcry has been instrumental in lending its voice in support of victims of abuse.

“Let us be clear: Justice must be allowed to take its course, and we are hopeful that the court proceedings ahead will bring truth, closure, and ultimately justice for Jayden-Lee. As a society, we must remain resolute in defending the rights of children and standing firm against all forms of violence, “she said.

Fatimah Abdool, another community activist, welcomed the court judgement, saying children’s rights far outweigh the right of those who are meant to protect and nurture children.

“The fact that the accused has not been honest with the court and has given various accounts of what transpired and said different things to different people, and she is contradicting herself. This has made her case very weak. The more she has spoken, the more she has looked like a guilty person. All (this) is showing that she has something to hide,” she stated.

Jayden-Lee’s body was found on May 14 on the staircase of their flat at the Swazi’s Place complex in Fleurhof, southwest Johannesburg, after the Grade 6 learner was reported missing the day before.

On Monday, Naidoo argued that her client is innocent, and everybody wants justice for Jayden-Lee, while the State Prosecutor argued that Meek does have a reliable address, which will complicate matters as she intends to relocate to a different province, should she be granted bail.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za

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