Christopher Panayiotou stands accused for the murder of his wife Jayde along with co-accused Sizwezakhe Vumazonke and Sinethemba Nenemba. The three await trial almost a year after the incident as the murder case is postponed until May 3.
According to Times Live, the case was postponed for the purpose of having Legal Aid procure copies of the docket. It is expected to be transferred to the Port Elizabeth High Court soon.
Panayiotou, Vumazonke and Nenemba appeared in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on April 18. During the proceedings, Nememba's lawyer Peter Daubermann withdrew from his representation and Nememba will now be represented by an attorney from Legal Aid. The intent to transfer the case to the Port Elizabeth High Court was delayed by Nememba obtaining new legal representation.
Magistrate Esti Petzer, who expressed her frustration over the delays, said, "This case has been on the roll for a long period of time, since April 2015. You appointed Mr Daubermann and...at this stage when the case is actually ready to be transferred to the high court, at this last minute, you no longer wish to have Mr Daubermann due to funds... It is your right to have legal representations but this court will no longer tolerate any further remands from your side."
Popular schoolteacher Jayde Panayiotou disappeared on April 21‚ 2015 while waiting for an early morning ride to work outside her Kabega Park townhouse complex in Port Elizabeth. Her body was later found on a farm in Rocklands near Uitenhage the next day after an extensive search, according to Sowetan Live. The case made headline news following Christopher Panayiotou's arrest just days after the incident.
According to ENCA, the State alleges that Panayiotou masterminded his wife's kidnap and murder as she was becoming a "financial burden". It was suspected that he paid Luthando Siyoli to hire a hitman, Vumazonke, to carry out the plan. Siyoli has turned state witness since then. Nemembe was linked to the case late last year.
Panayiotou has been denied bail twice. Authorities fear that since Panayiotou has dual citizenship, he may attempt to escape the country should he be released on bail.
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