The Fleurhof community in southern Johannesburg is filled with anger and grief as they demand justice for 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek.
The community marched to the Florida police station, demanding answers and urgent action, following the disappearance of 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, who was dropped off by school transport on Tuesday afternoon but never arrived home.
The little boy’s body was found on Wednesday, undressed and with multiple bruises, on the staircase of the complex where he lived, several hours after he had gone missing.
RESIDENTS BLAME INADEQUATE SEARCH EFFORTS
Locals told SABC Newsthat the boy would still be alive if they had thoroughly searched the complex.
Mokgadi Ramasodi, one of the locals, said to eNCAthat she has gone through a similar experience as Jayden’s mom, and that is why she joined the march to the police station.
“What did our children do to deserve this? As adults, what gives us the right to attack these children? South Africa, what is wrong with us? We need to change and learn to protect our children because this is too much.”
A MOTHER’S PAST TRAUMA ECHOES THE PRESENT
Ramasodi said she lost her daughter about 13 years ago, but the wound still feels fresh. “When I come across such an incident, because it happens every day, it brings back all those memories I am trying to overcome, but how? My daughter was brutally murdered in front of us. She was stabbed, but luckily justice was served; the perpetrator was arrested and sentenced to 25 years in jail.”
She said she hopes Jayden’s mom will also receive the same justice so that she can get closure alongside her family.
Gauteng Police Spokesperson Mavela Masondo says a case of murder has been opened.
WHY DO YOU THINK CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN ARE BECOMING MORE FREQUENT, AND HOW CAN WE ADDRESS THIS AS A SOCIETY?
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