Dead boy reported 'abuse'

INVESTIGATOR: TEACHERS SAY HE OFTEN SPOKE OF ILL-TREATMENT

- Enkosi Selane

The Gauteng department of education is investigating allegations that 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek had reported abuse to his school before his death.

The department promised action if it were found that proper protocols were not followed.

Jayden-Lee's mother, 31-year-old Tiffany Nicole Meek, on Monday appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court charged with his murder and will apply for bail on Friday.

The boy's body was discovered on 14 May on the staircase of the complex his family lives in Fleurhof, southwest Johannesburg, a day after he was reported missing.

He was last seen being dropped off by his school transport outside the residential complex.

A private investigator closely linked to the murder case revealed chilling details about alleged attempts to cover up the crime.

The investigator told eNCA Jayden-Lee had been severely beaten and that the perpetrator allegedly tried to cover up the murder by cleaning the scene with ammonia products and thick bleach agents.