Jayde suspect ‘turned State witness’

Luthando Siyoli appears in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Luthando Siyoli appears in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's Court on Thursday.

Published May 7, 2015

Share

 Port Elizabeth – The man believed to be instrumental in the State’s case to prove conspiracy to murder Port Elizabeth school teacher Jayde Panayiotou appeared briefly in the magistrate’s court here on Thursday.

Luthando Siyoli, 31, covered his face with his hands when he appeared on Thursday. He was the first person arrested following the discovery of the body of the popular Riebeek College Girls’ High School teacher on a farm in Rocklands near Uitenhage on 22 April. She had been shot in the head and upper body.

Siyoli, Jayde’s husband Christopher Panayiotou and Sizwezakhe Vumazonke are all charged with involvement in Jayde’s murder. The trio face charges of murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to insiders close to the case which has gripped the country, Siyoli has turned State witness against his two co-accused.

After his arrest, Siyoli allegedly pointed police to Christopher and a trap was reportedly set in which Siyoli demanded more money because of all the “hype” surrounding the alleged hit on Jayde.

At his court appearance on Thursday, his case was remanded to 19 June, the same day as his co-accused. That date will be the first time all three accused will appear together.

Police have, however, not ruled out further arrests.

Siyoli was remanded at Humewood police station until his next court appearance.

ANA

Related Topics: