SA children are killed every day

The Star

19 hours ago

Siyabonga Sithole | Updated 2 hours ago
On average, thirty-three children are violently attacked each day in South Africa, with at least three of them not surviving, according to the latest crime statistics released by the South African Police Service (SAPS) late last year.
UNICEF reported that 'shocking levels of violence continue to destroy children's lives across South Africa,' noting that between October and December 2023, 285 children were murdered, and 2 707 survived attempted murder, assault, or grievous bodily harm. One of the latest child murder victims is 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, who allegedly died after being hit with an 'unknown' hard object to the head.
This is according to the State charge sheet. His mother, 31-year-old Tiffany Meek, has been charged with one count of murder, defeating the ends of justice, crimen injuria, and attempting to defeat the ends of justice, after making her first court appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court yesterday.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing by his mother shortly after returning home from school, with reports suggesting that he never made it home, even though neighbours and community members saw him enter his complex.
According to the detailed charge sheet, the blow to Jayden-Lee's head resulted in severe blunt force trauma, ultimately leading to his death. Outside the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court, scores of concerned community members picketed ahead of the first court appearance of the relative..
Thoko Khambule from Fleurhof stated that the community, which came out in their numbers to mourn the mysterious death of the learner, is shocked by the alleged involvement of a family member whose responsibility was to protect and nurture Jayden-Lee Meek.
"We want justice to be served for Jayden-Lee Meek's death. If indeed the mother is involved in the murder, we want her to answer to the community. We were there with her as she was mourning the death of her child, not knowing that she is somehow involved. We call on the justice system to do the right thing as we want answers from her," she said.
City of Joburg speaker, Margaret Arnolds, speaking outside the court, stated: "As a survivor of rape and abuse, who has spoken openly about GBV, what we want to see today is justice. We want justice to be served regardless of who is involved. We cannot allow a situation where our children are not safe even in their homes."
On Friday, Gauteng police confirmed that a 31-year-old close family member was arrested in connection with the murder and was due to appear before the Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on Monday.
Last month, IOL reported that residents of Fleurhof marched to the Florida police station in Gauteng, calling for justice after the tragic death of the 11-year-old boy.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, said the relative was arrested on Friday morning following extensive investigations by Florida detectives with the assistance of the provincial investigative unit and tracking team.
Jayden-Lee was reported missing in May 2025 by his mother and was later found unconscious on the staircase of the apartment he was residing at in Fleurhof. He was declared dead at the hospital.
'A case of murder was opened, and police conducted investigations which led to the arrest of the woman. She is expected to appear before Roodepoort Magistrate's Court on (Monday) 14 July 2025 on a charge of murder,' said Nevhuhulwi.
According to police, Jayden-Lee was dropped off by his school transport in the afternoon, but he never arrived home. The following day, his lifeless body was discovered undressed on a staircase within the residential complex where he lived.
According to reports, his body was still warm and clean. He had no blood on him, but visible abrasions could be seen, indicating a possible assault.
When relatives were notified, Jayden-Lee was rushed to the hospital; however, he was declared dead on arrival.
This is a developing story. HOW YOU CAN HELP CURB CRIMES
RESEARCH shows that we can reduce violence through committing and investing in interventions that work, from the home to school and into the community and work environment.
This includes:
Scaling up parenting support to promote non-violent disciplinary techniques, improving mental wellbeing, and encouraging positive, as opposed to toxic, masculinity.
Increasing investments in violence prevention and early intervention programming can save lives.
Training teachers and child and youth care workers to identify at-risk children, while improving care for child survivors of violence.
Putting into action the School Safety Framework and other initiatives to create a safer learning environment. – UNICEF
Additional Reporting by Staff Reporter