Price angry as state fails to provide Panayiotou docket

FED-UP at still not having been given copies of the police docket, murder accused Christopher Panayiotou’s lawyers have threatened to approach the high court for relief.

It is difficult for the defence to prepare for trial when it has not yet seen the docket.

Panayiotou, who is accused of orchestrating the abduction and murder of his 29-year-old wife, Uitenhage teacher Jayde, in April, must stay behind bars until December, when he is due back in court.

He will hope to then have his case transferred to the Port Elizabeth High Court. Only then can a trial date be set.

Panayiotou, 28, appeared briefly in a packed Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court yesterday, alongside suspected hitman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke.

Family and friends of both accused packed the front two rows of the courtroom gallery.

Panayiotou, who was cleanshaven and sporting a recent haircut, stared straight ahead.

Jayde’s supporters, including her tearful mom, Michelle, sat behind the Panayiotous.

It is alleged Panayiotou paid a bouncer at his club – Luthando Siyoli, 31, who has since turned state witness – to hire Vumazonke, 30, to carry out the hit.

-Kathryn Kimberley