
Top 10 stories of the day: Mom denies killing Jayden-Lee
News today includes Tiffany Meek, the 31-year-old Fleurhof mother accused of murdering her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek, has vehemently denied abusing or killing her child as she applied for bail in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
Meanwhile, South Africa's water resources and drinking water have been contaminated with microplastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and anti-retrovirals (ARVs) that could pose risks to human health and the environment.
Furthermore, World Rugby have said the Springboks' intentional short kick-off, done in the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha last Saturday, to force a scrum on the halfway line, 'shows an intentional violation of the kick-off and restart laws'.
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'I never abused my child' – Tiffany Meek denies murder allegations in bail bid
Tiffany Meek, the 31-year-old Fleurhof mother accused of murdering her 11-year-old son Jayden-Lee Meek, has vehemently denied abusing or killing her child as she applied for bail in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
The emotional mother broke down in court on Friday as she denied allegations that have sparked public outrage and social media condemnation.
Tiffany Meek accused of her son's murder appears in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on July 14, 2025. Picture: Gallo Images
'I never abused my child,' Meek declared through her attorney, challenging claims that she was responsible for her son's death.
CONTINUE READING: 'I never abused my child' – Tiffany Meek denies murder allegations in bail bid
'Emails' reveal Nkabane misled Parliament over Seta scandal – but insisted it wasn't intentional
Two individuals named as members of the independent advisory panel that recommended appointments to the Sector Education and Training Authority (Seta) boards have claimed they did not attend any meetings, despite the assertions by Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane.
Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Higher Education convened on Friday to question Nkabane over the controversial Seta board chairperson appointments, which drew backlash due to the involvement of candidates with links to the ANC.
Higher Education and Training Minister Nobuhle Nkabane. Picture: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi
The minister, however, failed to attend the meeting, citing her attendance at a TVET College event in the Eastern Cape.
CONTINUE READING: 'Emails' reveal Nkabane misled Parliament over Seta scandal – but insisted it wasn't intentional
Water department explains why microplastics, chemicals and ARVs are in South African water
South Africa's water resources and drinking water have been contaminated with microplastics, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and anti-retrovirals (ARVs) that could pose risks to human health and the environment.
The grim details were revealed in several studies commissioned since the year 2000 by the Water Research Commission (WRC), an entity of the department of water and sanitation (DWS), along with local and international research organisations.
Picture: iStock
The studies were commissioned to probe the presence of contaminants of emerging concern (CEC) in water resources and drinking water.
CONTINUE READING: Water department explains why microplastics, chemicals and ARVs are in South African water
'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information
Tech giant Meta has agreed to permanently delete more than 60 WhatsApp channels publishing child pornography involving South African school children and to comply with all requirements of an earlier high court order.
This was after Judge Mudunwazi Makamu in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Johannesburg handed down a further order on Friday.
Picture: Supplied
Meta was found in contempt of court of an earlier ruling in urgent litigation brought by the Digital Law Company (DLC) led by social media law expert Emma Sadleir.
CONTINUE READING: 'David vs Goliath': Meta agrees to hand over child porn channel creator information
Boks' short kick-off deemed 'intentional infringement' by World Rugby
World Rugby have said the Springboks' intentional short kick-off, done in the second Test against Italy in Gqeberha last Saturday, to force a scrum on the halfway line, 'shows an intentional violation of the kick-off and restart laws'.
World Rugby have considered the matter, brought to their attention by the Italian Rugby Federation, and taking a decision.
Rassie Erasmus has come under fire for certain tactics employed by his team. Picture: Johan Orton/Gallo Images
World Rugby have stated that should a referee deem the action to be deliberate they must award the opposition team a penalty.
CONTINUE READING: Boks' short kick-off deemed 'intentional infringement' by World Rugby
Here are five more stories of the day:
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The Star
2 hours ago
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Here's what to expect in the Jayden-Lee Meek matter today
After more than a week of stating their case, closing arguments in the Tiffany Meek bail hearing are expected in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday. Meek, 31, from Fleurhof, faces charges of murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice. Legal counsel are expected to give their closing arguments before Magistrate Annelin Africa, who is set to decide Meek's fate. Meek was arrested on July 11 and has been in custody since then. She previously urged the court to grant her bail as she is the sole breadwinner of her family and stated she could afford R5,000. Meek's lawyer, Noven Naidoo, concluded his cross-examination of the investigating officer on Friday. Naidoo brought up the fact that the police sergeant previously told the court it would be in Meek's best interest to stay behind bars. The court heard the public outcry from not only residents from Fleurhof, but South Africans at large, needed to be taken into consideration when making a judgment. The police sergeant said South Africans are angered at Meek, who was initially at the forefront for justice for her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, yet she is now sitting in the dock for murder. Earlier this week, the court asked the investigating officer to provide the memorandum handed over to SAPS that he previously mentioned. Protest actions by residents at the Florida police station resulted in community activists calling for a police station in Fleurhof, more visible policing, and prioritising the murder of Jayden-Lee, days earlier.


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DJ Sumbody's murder exposes connection between crime and power
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