By Palesa Matlala
- The 11-year-old was dropped off at his complex but never made it into his flat.
- Police have launched a manhunt and opened an inquest docket while they wait for post-mortem results.
Gauteng police are investigating after 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek was found dead on a staircase at the Swazi Complex in Fleurhof, Roodepoort, on Wednesday morning.
Jayden’s mother reported him missing on Tuesday afternoon after he failed to return home from school. Although his school transport dropped him off at the complex, he never made it to their flat. His mother, who works from home, became worried when she noticed he hadn’t arrived.
Provincial police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said the family began looking for Jayden with the help of neighbours. They went to the police station at around 6:40 pm to report him missing.
“Our members responded and started searching alongside community members,” said Masondo.
The boy’s body was found the next morning at around 6:25 am by a resident leaving her flat. It was lying on the second-floor staircase, not far from the flat where he lived.
Stephany Martins, a community member, told Scrolla.Africa: “The majority of us quickly rushed to the second floor, and we saw Jayden lying there. We touched him, hoping to find a pulse, but there was nothing. We checked his body for any injuries, but there was no sign of blood.”
Jayden was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Masondo said detectives from the provincial police have been assigned to the case. “We have started with our investigation and have assembled a team of seasoned detectives,” he said.
Police have opened an inquest docket but said the charge may change to murder depending on the results of the post-mortem.
So far, no one has been arrested.
Pictured above: Jayden Lee Meek was found dead on the stairs at his housing complex.
Image source: Supplied
