Tiffany Nicole Meek (31) has abandoned her legal aid application and will appoint another private defence attorney.

Meek appeared in the Johannesburg High Court today, December 3. She is accused of murdering her son, 11-year-old Jayden-Lee Meek, in May.

During her previous appearance in the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court, Meek indicated that she would apply for legal aid due to financial constraints. However, in court today, she informed the judge that she would instead secure a private attorney for trial.

• Also read: State ready for pre-trial in Meek case

The case has been postponed to January 26 for pre-trial.

An additional charge of child abuse/ negligence has also been added to her case.

• Also read: Outcry over Jayden-Lee Meek’s death continues outside Florida Police Station

She now faces four charges:

• Murder
• Defeating or obstructing the administration of justice
• Crimen injuria/ attempting to defeat or obstruct the course of justice
• Child abuse/ negligence

• Also read: Child abuse charge added to Meek’s case

Jayden-Lee was reported missing on May 13 after failing to return home from school. His body was found the next day near a staircase inside the Fleurhof complex, just metres from his home.

Meek was arrested on July 11 following extensive investigations and has remained behind bars after being denied bail.

She remains in custody.