Murder and mystery: A chilling timeline of Jayden-Lee Meek's death
The case that has gripped South Africa continues in the Roodepoort Magistrates' Court on Friday, 18 July.
Tiffany Meek, the mother of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee, stands accused of his brutal murder. The case has sparked national outrage and uproar over child protection.
Here is a timeline of the events that led to Meek's arrest.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing on 13 May, two days after Mother's Day. His mother claimed he had not returned home from school, despite his transport having dropped him off at their Fleurhof residence.
With the assistance of the Florida Community Policing Forum (CPF) and residents, Jayden-Lee was later found on the staircase of the apartment building. Thereafter, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Community members expressed outrage over the delay in police action. They called for police to work faster to ensure justice was served.
On Friday, 11 July, Tiffany was arrested following extensive investigations by Florida detectives, with support from the Provincial Investigative Unit and Tracking Team. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid034XATKNs62Yyf9dyZ6wZFmx1h2q65deiD45TC6cFsXdEfFi94YKG69KF1TH2m7vNjl&id=100064382811384
Tiffany appeared before the Roodepoort Magistrates' Court on 14 July, facing charges of murder, defeating the ends of justice, crimen injuria, and obstructing the course of justice.
Speaking outside court, Deputy Police Minister Polly Boshielo said it is not an easy case. She commented on the community backlash about the time it took to ensure a breakthrough, saying it was necessary for a thorough investigation.
Boshielo did not rule out the possibility of more arrests.
An investigator close to the case revealed disturbing details from the crime scene, including attempts to clean up blood. He alleged that the child was beaten severely and was hidden under blankets on his bed.
He also claimed that someone had tampered with evidence in the home. Describing the crime scene as gruesome, he further stated that the murderer attempted to clean the blood from the flat with bleach. However, the blood was still discovered under UV light.
Despite the chilling details, Jayden-Lee's grandmother defended her daughter.
In a tearful video, Tiffany's mother, Debbie Dunn, the family and slammed the arrest and expressed a loss of faith in the state.
HOW DOES THE TRAGIC DEATH OF JAYDEN-LEE MEEK EXPOSE THE HIDDEN CRISIS OF CHILD ABUSE IN OUR COMMUNITIES?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
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