Gauteng Department of Education investigates allegations that Jayden-Lee's school was aware of abuse
Image: Supplied
The investigation into the murder of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek has revealed disturbing allegations of abuse reported to his school, Royal College in Florida.
It has emerged that the young boy confided in classmates and educators about the mistreatment he was enduring prior to his tragic death.
Jayden-Lee is alleged to have talked about how he was left alone, did not always have something to eat, and had visible bruising.
Earlier this week, the young boy's mother, Tiffany Meek, appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court.
Tiffany Nicole Meek, appeared in court for the murder of her son.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
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The 31-year-old mother faces charges of murder, crimen injuria, attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice, and defeating or obstructing the administration of justice.
IOL reached out to the Gauteng Education Department, requesting answers as to why no one responded to Jayden-Lee's cries for help.
'The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) had on July 15, 2025, dispatched officials to Royal College in Florida, Roodepoort, to establish facts regarding allegations that the late Jayden-Lee Meek had previously reported abuse to the school before his passing,' GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said.
He also confirmed there was some truth to the allegations.
'Indeed, there is an element of truth to the said allegations; however, our team will continue to conduct their investigations. The Department has a responsibility to ensure that all learners in Gauteng are protected. An update will be communicated in due course,' Mabona said.
Jayden-Lee went missing on May 13, just after 4pm. His scholar transport dropped him at the Fleurhof apartment complex.
He was never seen again. At the time of his disappearance, his mother claimed she had been working from home and got worried when he did not return home.
According to a charge sheet presented to the court, the State is set to prove that Meek struck her son with a blunt object. The object is yet to be identified.
It has been revealed that blood was found on Jayden-Lee's bed, his school clothes and bag were also found in the apartment, as well as his schoolbooks, which had blood on them.
Evidence analysed by forensic experts reveals Jayden-Lee was killed in his home.
His body was only found the following morning near the house on the staircase.
At the time, his body was clean, warm, and several abrasions were visible.
She is expected back in court on Friday, July 18, for bail information and her attorney to come on record. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel.
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The 31-year-old, Tiffany Meek, mother of the 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, is accused of murdering her son. Image: Timothy Bernard / IOL Graphics 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. Naidoo also referred to an IOL article where the man who allegedly murdered a 14-year-old was granted bail in the same court. 'I am not familiar with the merits of that case,' the investigating officer said. Naidoo alluded that if this matter, which was allegedly premeditated, saw the court granting bail with only circumstantial evidence, the State in Jayden-Lee's matter could also probably not have a strong case, and bail should surely be considered. 'I do not agree with that. The State has a very strong case,' the police sergeant said. [email protected] IOL
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