Activists demand justice as Tiffany Meek faces bail hearing for son's murder
Image: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers
Despite Tiffany Meek's defence lawyer, Noven Naidoo, arguing strongly for the release of his client on bail, as she is not a flight risk, community activists have pleaded with the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court to deny Meek bail.
On Monday, the 31-year-old mother accused of the murder of her 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek returned to court, where the matter was postponed to Tuesday for the final bail judgment.
Meek has 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.
She is facing multiple charges, including murder, crimen injuria, defeating the ends of justice, and attempting to obstruct justice.
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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.
"The learned Magistrate, in her wisdom, should realise that with all the public outcry, there is no evidence that Mr Mnisi was harmed by the public. While the public is indeed angry with the applicant, why would they resort to murder? Kill the applicant and risk being also charged with murder. 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.
"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," Naidoo stated.
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.
"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," the State prosecutor told the court.
Speaking outside court, City of Joburg Speaker of Council, Margaret Arnolds, said she is not convinced of Meek's innocence, adding that the court should consider the severity of the charges against the 31-year-old.
"I believe the defence lawyer and the accused are grasping at straws. I am very impressed by how the State prosecutor has summed up things with the conflicting times the accused has given, irrespective of what time the child was found. It is nail-biting, we do not know where all of this will lead because in the Likhona Fose and Mnisi case, this led to the suspect being released on bail... We hope that the magistrate will deliver a sober judgment tomorrow," she said.
Cheryl Pillay, a community activist from Eldorado Park, said it was important for justice to prevail in cases involving children and the most vulnerable in society.
"We are here because we have had so many court cases involving children. As activists, it is our responsibility to stand up and be the voices for the voiceless. Jayden-Lee deserves justice, and both sides, the State and the defence, presented their cases. We leave the decision in the hands of the court. Obviously, as communities, we want to see justice being served, especially in the interest of the most vulnerable and children," she said.
siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za
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