BAIL DENIED

TIFFANY Nicole Meek, the mother of murdered 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, was denied bail on Tuesday by the Roodepoort Regional Court in Johannesburg, where she is facing charges of killing her child.

The magistrate read out her ruling on the bail application and denied Tiffany bail as she sat in the dock weeping.

Tiffany's defence lawyer, Noven Naidoo, has argued strongly for the release of his client on bail, insisting that she is not a flight risk. On the other hand, community members have been protesting outside the court, demanding that her bail bid be denied.

Tiffany has previously requested that she be granted R5 000 bail as she believes she is innocent and is being framed for the gruesome May 13 murder. Her lawyer has argued that no evidence has been presented to the court suggesting that his client could be a flight risk.

Tiffany is facing multiple charges, including murder, crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice, and attempting to obstruct justice.

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.

“Everybody wants justice for Jayden-Lee, but that can only be achieved through a proper investigation and with the trial court making a determination on the matter, Naidoo said. 

“In conclusion, there is no evidence before this court to even suggest that the applicant is a flight risk. In the absence of such evidence, it is submitted that the accused be released on bail as the accused has discharged the onus as a suitable candidate for bail.”

On Monday, the State prosecutor argued that Meek does not have a reliable address as she intends to relocate to another province, which will make things difficult for the State to take control of the case.

“If the applicant is released and goes to stay with her father, she will not have a stable address. Two, your worship, it is evident that the accused will continue to be employed, and she is not required to be in the office. She can work remotely. That means she can work from anywhere, and she will continue to have financial resources,” the State argued. 

“What I mean is that the applicant could be a flight risk. She is in another province. So we are asking someone somewhere in another police station who has no interest in this matter to keep tabs on her.”