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Teacher Murder suspect says he was ‘beaten’

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Port Elizabeth – A third suspect who appeared in court on Tuesday in connection with the murder of teacher Jayde Panayiotou, claimed his swollen right eye was due to a police beating.

Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, 30, appeared briefly before magistrate Jan van der Westhuizen in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court.

Vumazonke, who did not have legal representation, was arrested on Sunday in New Brighton. He appeared wearing a blue jacket and jeans, with his right eye visibly swollen.

When asked about the nature of his injuries, Vumazonke said the police had beaten him.

He is the third person to be arrested in connection with the abduction and subsequent murder of the popular Riebeek College Girl’s High School teacher.

A strong media contingent was again present.

Vumazonke’s case was remanded to June 19, the same day the murdered victim’s husband Christopher Panayiotou will appear again.

Vumazonke will remain in custody unless the attorney he appoints requests that he apply for bail before his scheduled appearance.

On Monday Panayiotou appeared in front of Van der Westhuizen in the same court on charges of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravated circumstances and murder.

Wearing a plain black suit, Panayiotou was quiet and reserved while his case was postponed to June 19. Panayiotou will remain in custody until then.

Jayde Panayiotou was abducted outside her Kabega Park home on Tuesday, April 21, while waiting for her lift to the school where she taught. She was found dead on the outskirts of the Kwanobuhle township in Uitenhage the following day.

Another man arrested in connection with the crimes, Thando Siyoli, 31, appeared in the same court last week. He is expected to appear in court again on Thursday.

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.