Child abuse and negligence were added to the charges against Tiffany Nicole Meek (31) when she appeared for the first time in the Johannesburg High Court today, after the case was transferred from the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court.

Roodepoort Record reports that Meek is accused of murdering her son, Jayden-Lee Meek (11), in May.

She became visibly emotional as state prosecutor Carla Britz added the new charge to her sheet.

She is now facing five charges, namely murder, defeating or obstructing the administration of justice, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and child abuse/ negligence.

Judge William Karam postponed the case to December 3 for an outcome on her legal aid application.

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

His lifeless, half-naked body was found on May 14 near the staircase of the Swazi Place complex in Fleurhof, just metres from the front door of his home.

Meek was arrested on July 11 following extensive investigations and has remained in custody after a failed bail application.

During her bail application, investigating officer Sergeant Nceba Diko presented evidence found in Meek’s home indicating that her son had returned home from school on the day he was reported missing.

This evidence contradicts Meek’s claim that her son never came home after leaving for school that morning.

The evidence includes school bags with work dated May 14, a red school jacket and shoes.

At the Roodepoort court, magistrate Anneline Africa described Meek as manipulative and dishonest, stressing that her version of events was inconsistent.

She also raised suspicions about the timing of Meek’s movements, noting that her return home on the day Jayden’s body was found was ‘no coincidence’.

She added that Meek presented as untruthful in her bail statement and is capable of influencing witnesses and manipulating evidence.

Meek remains in custody.

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