Arrest of close family member in Jayden-Lee Meek's murder case raises concern
Image: Supplied
A 31-year-old 'close family member' arrested in connection with the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek is set to appear in court on Monday.
A month ago, IOL reported that residents of Fleurhof marched to the Florida police station in Gauteng, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy.
Last week, Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said the relative was arrested on Friday morning following extensive investigations by Florida detectives with the assistance of the provincial investigative unit and tracking team.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing in May 2025 by his mother and was later found unconscious on the staircase of the apartment he was residing at in Fleurhof. He was declared dead at the hospital.
'A case of murder was opened and police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the woman. She is expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrates' Court on (Monday) 14 July 2025 on a charge of murder,' said Nevhuhulwi.
According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by his school transport in the afternoon, but he never arrived home. The following day, his lifeless body was discovered undressed on a staircase within the residential complex where he lived.
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The boy had sustained multiple bruises, and his body was found several hours after he was reported missing.
According to reports, his body was still warm and clean. He had no blood on him, but visible abrasions could be seen, indicating a possible assault.
When relatives were notified, Jayden-Lee was rushed to the hospital, however, he was declared dead on arrival.
In May, IOL reported that, at their own expense, members of a Johannesburg-based women's rights organisation travelled to Cape Town to picket outside Parliament in a desperate bid to force the police to take decisive action in the brutal murder case of Jayden-Lee.
The Women Empowerment Platform (WEP), led by founder Natalie Solomons, joined local activists and community leaders in calling for justice after Jayden-Lee's body was found just metres from his home in Fleurhof, Roodepoort.
The organisation is urging Parliament and the Portfolio Committee on Police to prioritise the case and ensure that an arrest is made.
'We got involved in the Jayden case because it's a child who was murdered in the very community we serve,' said Solomons.
'I still can't get the picture of how he was found that morning out of my head. It was a very evil sight to see – I don't know how somebody can do that to a little boy. I'm a mother. There's no way I could turn away from this. That's why we travelled from Johannesburg to Parliament. We want action. Someone needs to be held accountable.'
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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