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Family support for Panayiotou

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Port Elizabeth – Christopher Panayiotou’s family filled the front row of the public gallery in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday ahead of the continuation of his bail application.

A very strong media contingent also filled a packed court room 26 where his neatly dressed parents were sitting quietly, waiting for Christopher to arrive, who was not there by 09:00.

Investigating officer Kanna Swanepoel entered the court at around the same time.

Panayiotou is accused of master-minding the murder of his wife, Jayde.

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, where she taught. She was found dead outside Kwanobuhle township in Uitenhage the following day.

Husband’s arrest

Panayiotou’s arrest was a shock after he had read a moving eulogy at her funeral, which turned out to have been taken in large part from a post on a website.

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

Last week at the start of his bail hearing, the State indicated that bail for Panayiotou would be opposed as it considered her death a Schedule 6 offence. In terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, this offence is regarded as extremely serious and it is difficult to get bail.

His advocate Terry Price presented an affidavit to support his client’s bail application.

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.