Jayden’s (11) tragic end angers abahlali.

TENSION remains high in Fleurhof, Joburg.

This as a result of the tragic death of 11-year-old Jayden Lee Meek, whose body was found on Tuesday morning, 14 May, in front of his mum’s flat at Swazi’s Place.

Visibly angry residents have vowed to continue with their protest. They said the police did not act swiftly.

Family spokesman, Aldain Baartjies, recounted the devastating timeline of events.

“Jayden returned from school around 3.30pm and was seen by security personnel entering the complex. That’s when he disappeared. We conducted a search with different agencies throughout the night. We received the tragic news just before 7am and were told his body was placed just outside his mum’s flat,” he said.

Describing the horrifying condition in which Jayden was found, Aldain said: “His body was found on the stairs wearing only pants and had been severely beaten up. From viewing his body at the hospital, he was in a terrible state, battered and bruised all over. He was bleeding from his eyes, ears, head and back.”

Community leader and activist, Selby Leshaba, called on the police to act swiftly. He emphasised the urgency of the investigation.

“This happened in the premises. Where the K9 dog went is where blood and other evidence were found. It’s heartbreaking to lose such a young soul in this way. We need arrests. We can’t allow such barbaric acts in our community. Now, we have to support the family. No parent should have to bury their kid, especially not like this,” said Leshaba.

He also raised concerns about increasing crime in the area, citing a recent incident in which a man was robbed and stabbed while buying bread near the scene of Jayden’s death.

Police spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that the boy’s body was discovered in the early hours of the morning and that he was pronounced dead upon arrival in hospital.

“We have opened an inquest docket. Because of the seriousness of the case, it has been escalated to the provincial office. We are taking this matter seriously and believe that, with time, we will uncover what really happened,” said Masondo.

He said while the case is treated as an inquest, it may be reclassified as a murder investigation once sufficient evidence is gathered to confirm that Jayden was, indeed, killed.