Jayden-Lee Meek murder: Transport driver lost business after accusations

Ndonga Khumalo, a transport driver, shared his harrowing experience of being accused of Jayden-Lee Meek's murder in Johannesburg. On 13 May 2026, Khumalo picked Jayden up from Royal College, along with other pupils, and dropped him off at the family's complex. However, an electronic issue prevented the security gate from closing automatically, and Khumalo had to manually close it behind Jayden.

Later, when his wife informed him that Jayden had not arrived home, Khumalo realized something was wrong. He testified that he had no further contact with Jayden after dropping him off and that he believed the accusation was unfounded. The media frenzy and community backlash had a severe impact on Khumalo's life and livelihood. His business, which he had built over six years, suffered as parents withdrew their children and stopped using his services.

Accusations also strained his personal relationships, causing his wife and daughter to distance themselves. Khumalo feared for his safety while driving in public due to the accusations. His mother, Tiffany Meek, made the accusation public after Jayden's body was found, stating that she blamed the transport driver. The court has postponed the case for site inspection to resolve confusion over floor numbering at the complex.