Port Elizabeth - The bail application of murder accused Christopher Panayioutou continued in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, with the court hearing that his lover would be called in to testify.
She will lead direct evidence on the motive of the killing of Panyiotou’s school teacher wife, Jayde.
Jayde was assaulted, thrown in the boot of a rental car and shot twice in the back and once in the head. Her body was found on the outskirts of KwaNobuhle township in Uitenhage a day after she disappeared.
When the case resumed on Thursday, Magistrate Abigail Beaton asked the defence what they deemed to be a suitable amount for bail.
Advocate Terry Price said considering his client’s financial position, R50 000 would be a fair amount.
Beaton then asked State advocate Marius Stander what his opinion was on the accused’s willingness to hand over his travel documents.
Stander replied that handing over his Cypriot ID-card did not make the accused any less of a flight risk.
Beaton then moved on to State witnesses that Stander believed the accused could influence if he was released on bail.
Stander said Panayioutou’s girlfriend, Chanelle Couts, and her friend would lead direct evidence pertaining to the motive of the killing which rocked Port Elizabeth in April.
Stander further added that co-accused Luthando Siyoli’s girlfriend had directly implicated Panayiotou with handing over money after the murder.
Panayiotou was arrested days after Siyoli, a bouncer at a nightclub owned by Panayiotou, had been arrested.
A third suspect, Sizwezakhe Vumazonke was arrested later. All three men have been charged with murder, kidnapping, robbery with aggravating circumstances and conspiracy to commit murder.
ANA