Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says there is an element of truth to the allegations of abuse linked to the slain 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek.

According to Roodepoort Record, the department met today with various authorities, including staff from Royal Kings College, the school Jayden-Lee attended, to investigate claims that the murdered boy had informed the school he was being abused.

It is alleged Jayden-Lee often came to school hungry and with visible bruises. Mabona says the department is conducting an investigation and has promised action should it be found that proper protocols were not followed.

“The department was not aware of these allegations; we were only alerted yesterday. We then had to ensure that our officials were informed, hence the school visit today. As soon as the investigation is complete, we will provide a preliminary report, which will include recommendations and a way forward,” Mabona adds.

Jayden-Lee’s mother, Tiffany Nicole (31), was arrested and appeared in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court yesterday. She faces charges of murder, crimen injuria and defeating the ends of justice. She will remain in custody until she appears in the same court on Friday for her bail application.

The boy’s body was discovered on May 14 on the staircase of their family complex in Fleurhof, Roodepoort – a day after he was reported missing.