11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek was discovered lifeless and partially unclothed on the staircase of Swazi’s Place complex in Fleurhof, located near Florida on the West Rand. The death of the Royal College pupil has triggered an outpouring of grief, concern, and calls for justice.
The young boy’s class teacher, Katlego Molokwane, remembered him not just as a diligent student, but also as a source of joy and optimism in the classroom. During a recent visit to the complex where Meek’s body was found, Molokwane reflected on the boy’s promising academic journey and warm personality.
“I am shattered and, as a school, we are heartbroken about this loss. To think that it happened in a gated community such as this one, makes it even worse and we call on the police to pull up their socks and help us find justice,”
she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Jayden-Lee joined Royal College during the latter part of the first academic term, a time when most learners were preparing for tests and assessments. His late arrival sparked concern among staff who feared he might not catch up. Yet, despite these initial worries, he flourished.
“I was worried that he would not cope as he came to us when we were about to start the first term tests and late into the term. We really thought he would struggle and would not cope, but to our surprise, he was in the Top 3 and he even won an award at the end of the term,”
Molokwane shared.
She went on to describe the boy’s impact on the school environment, saying,
“For us as teachers, such a learner, when you get inside the classroom, you just know that your day has been made. You do not have to struggle as a teacher on what to do to be able to assist them. We cherish such learners because they just make your day easy.”
The sense of loss extends beyond the school walls. Community members and educators gathered at the Swazi Complex in mourning, demanding answers as police officially opened an inquest into the child’s untimely death. The case has intensified concerns about safety, particularly within gated communities that are presumed to be secure.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, spokesperson for Gauteng police, Jayden-Lee was reported missing on the evening of Tuesday, 13 May. He had been dropped off by a scholar transport service outside his residential complex but failed to make it inside his home. A search was immediately launched by both police and members of the local community.
“The boy was reported missing to the police on the evening of Tuesday, 13 May. The police, together with the community, conducted the search at the complex where the boy is staying and where he was last seen, with no success. It is reported that the boy was dropped off by a scholar transport outside the complex but failed to reach his residence.”
In the early hours of Wednesday, 14 May, Meek was found in distress and transported to hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The inquest docket now opened will seek to determine the exact circumstances of his death, while community members remain anxious and desperate for accountability.
