Murder-accused Christopher Panayiotou’s appearance in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court court on Friday is expected to be brief.
Magistrate Abigail Beeton postponed Thursday’s proceedings and told the court that she would present a terse judgment on his bail application when court reconvened on Friday‚ but would only give her reasons for it next week.
When the prosecution and defence wrapped up heads of argument in the bail hearing last week‚ the magistrate said she faced a difficult decision.
On Thursday‚ it first appeared that Beeton had made up her mind‚ and said she had composed a draft ruling‚ but further questions she then asked in court prompted her to make a further postponement.
Panayiotou is accused of masterminding the abduction and murder of his much-loved Nelson Mandela Bay teacher wife Jayde Panayiotou‚ 29‚ on April 21.
Her body was found in Rocklands‚ outside Uitenhage‚ at about 10am the next day.
She had been shot once in the head and twice in the chest.
Christopher‚ 28‚ was arrested in connection with the murder the following week‚ as was a bouncer at a club he owns‚ who has reportedly turned state witness against him‚ and claimed that his boss approached him to arrange the hit.
The alleged gunman is also in custody.
Ruling to be handed down in Panayiotou bail hearing
Murder-accused Christopher Panayiotou’s appearance in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court court on Friday is expected to be brief.
Magistrate Abigail Beeton postponed Thursday’s proceedings and told the court that she would present a terse judgment on his bail application when court reconvened on Friday‚ but would only give her reasons for it next week.
When the prosecution and defence wrapped up heads of argument in the bail hearing last week‚ the magistrate said she faced a difficult decision.
On Thursday‚ it first appeared that Beeton had made up her mind‚ and said she had composed a draft ruling‚ but further questions she then asked in court prompted her to make a further postponement.
Panayiotou is accused of masterminding the abduction and murder of his much-loved Nelson Mandela Bay teacher wife Jayde Panayiotou‚ 29‚ on April 21.
Her body was found in Rocklands‚ outside Uitenhage‚ at about 10am the next day.
She had been shot once in the head and twice in the chest.
Christopher‚ 28‚ was arrested in connection with the murder the following week‚ as was a bouncer at a club he owns‚ who has reportedly turned state witness against him‚ and claimed that his boss approached him to arrange the hit.
The alleged gunman is also in custody.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos