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Advocate apologises to magistrate

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Port Elizabeth – Christopher Panayiotou’s advocate Terry Price on Thursday apologised to Magistrate Abigail Beeton for the confusion over his non-appearance in court.

Price was not in court on Wednesday which left Beeton unimpressed because she said the court was not informed that he would not be there.

Price was in Johannesburg and set to board a plane to Port Elizabeth.

He said he had briefed Panayiotou’s lawyer Alwyn Griebenow on the reasons why he could not be in court and he assumed that this had been communicated to Beeton.

Price said he had been briefed to be in Limpopo four or five months ago.

He apologised on behalf of Griebenow for the oversight and said he understood Beeton’s position.

Price said he accepted that he should have informed her directly.

‘Waste of court time’

Beeton said Wednesday’s proceedings were a waste of court time as her court was a permanent bail court and there were many other people awaiting trial.

Beeton said she heard on the radio that a formal complaint had been laid against her.

Price said he did not lodge a complaint.

The magistrate said she did not want to attack the media as an entire occupation but that the reporters were obligated to report on the facts and avoid sensationalism.

The media were present at the discretion of the court.

Arrest

Panayiotou, 28, Thando Siyoli, 31 and Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, 30, were arrested in the days following Jayde’s disappearance.

She was last seen waiting outside their home in Kabega Park for her lift to Riebeeck Park High School on Tuesday, April 21. She was found dead outside Kwanobuhle township in Uitenhage the following day.

Panayiotou is facing charges of conspiracy to commit murder; robbery with aggravated circumstances; kidnapping; murder; and defeating the ends of justice.

News24

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.