EMOTIONS ran high outside the Roodepoort Magistrates Court on Monday, 14 July, as residents, activists, and officials gathered in solidarity for Jayden-Lee Meek (11), whose mum is accused of his murder.
Community activist and member of Parliament Dereleen James was visibly emotional as she addressed the grieving residents, with tears streaming down her face.
She described the day as tragic and dark for the residents of Fleurhof in Roodepoort, Gauteng and the broader community.
"It's a sad, sad day for the residents of this complex and the community of Fleurhof," James said.
"The very person Jayden was supposed to call on when he was in danger, his mother turned out to be the one he needed protection from."
Fighting back tears, James questioned the slow response from police when Jayden was first reported missing.
"I must be honest with you, minister. I asked myself, if only all these SAPS members and vehicles we see here today had been deployed to the crime scene when this child was reported missing, maybe, just maybe, we could have spared Jayden's life," she said.
She expressed deep frustration that crucial warning signs were ignored.
"Research shows it's often those closest to the victim who are the perpetrators. When this mother refused to allow police to search her flat, that should have been a red flag. The fact that Jayden's body was found warm the next morning tells me he might have still been alive in that flat, hoping for someone to break down those doors and save him. We failed Jayden-Lee Meek," James added.
She commended the police for eventually securing an arrest but stressed it came too late.
"We applaud SAPS for the work done in finally bringing the perpetrator to book but it was too little, too late. We extend our condolences to Jayden's family, his classmates, and friends. As mothers and as a community, we'll continue to raise our voices and demand better protection for our children," she added.
Police deputy minister Shela Polly Boshielo also addressed the media, acknowledging the immense public outcry and difficulties investigators faced in the case.
"This was not an easy case. It received a lot of backlash and attention. However, our investigation team worked closely with the NPA and through meticulous investigation, evidence was gathered which resulted in a warrant of arrest being issued and executed on 11 July," said Boshielo.
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She lamented the tragedy of Jayden-Lee's death, particularly because it happened in a space where he should have been safest - his home.
"It's heartbreaking that a child was killed in the very place meant to protect him. Our detectives conducted a thorough investigation to build a case strong enough to stand up in court," she added.
Deputy national police commissioner Tebello Mosikili acknowledged both the public backlash and the accountability demanded by activists and community leaders.
"We've heard the concerns from the community. Today, we stand before you with a breakthrough in this case. Unfortunately, cases like this are becoming far too frequent in our country," said Mosikili.
She drew parallels to other tragic cases involving kids, saying: "We have not yet healed from the loss of the seven-year-old who vanished in front of those who were meant to protect them and now we mourn Jayden-Lee Meek."
However, she pointed out the difficulty of this case, noting that critical time was lost before Jayden-Lee was reported missing.
"In this matter, it's deeply unfortunate that the very person meant to protect Jayden his mother delayed reporting his disappearance. The mother only came forward nearly two hours before midnight. One can only wonder what happened in those hours," Mosikili added.
The case has been postponed to 18 July for bail information and a bail application date.
