The family of Jayde Panayiotou on Friday took up the front row of seats in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court where relatives of her murder-accused Christopher husband have been seated so far in the case.
Her father Derick was said to be present in court for the first time. Jayde’s mother and younger sister‚ Michelle and Toni Inggs‚ were in court for the first time last week as the prosecution and defence presented argument for and against granting bail to Christopher.
Christopher Panayiotou’s family‚ who were said to be initially waiting outside the packed courtroom on Friday morning‚ scrambled for seats in the back row.
Justice For Reeva‚ an account set up in support of slain model Reeva Steenkamp‚ a PE resident‚ tweeted: “If I were [the magistrate]‚ I’d keep entire Christopher Panayiotou clan OUTSIDE! They were late. Now they’re making a fuss!? Apple falls close to tree!”
The families are said to have avoided making eye contact with each other‚ although Jayde Panayiotou’s relatives stared down Christopher Panayiotou as he was led into court.
Christopher Panayiotou’s appearance on Friday was 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.
Christopher 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 Panayiotou‚ 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.
Tale of two families at final bail hearing appearance for Panayiotou
The family of Jayde Panayiotou on Friday took up the front row of seats in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court where relatives of her murder-accused Christopher husband have been seated so far in the case.
Her father Derick was said to be present in court for the first time. Jayde’s mother and younger sister‚ Michelle and Toni Inggs‚ were in court for the first time last week as the prosecution and defence presented argument for and against granting bail to Christopher.
Christopher Panayiotou’s family‚ who were said to be initially waiting outside the packed courtroom on Friday morning‚ scrambled for seats in the back row.
Justice For Reeva‚ an account set up in support of slain model Reeva Steenkamp‚ a PE resident‚ tweeted: “If I were [the magistrate]‚ I’d keep entire Christopher Panayiotou clan OUTSIDE! They were late. Now they’re making a fuss!? Apple falls close to tree!”
The families are said to have avoided making eye contact with each other‚ although Jayde Panayiotou’s relatives stared down Christopher Panayiotou as he was led into court.
Christopher Panayiotou’s appearance on Friday was 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.
Christopher 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 Panayiotou‚ 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.
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