Middleman in Panayiotou murder makes another about-turn in his testimony

14 November 2016 - 14:13 By Kathryn Kimberley
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Port Elizabeth businessman Christopher Panayiotou is in court in connection the death of his wife, Jayde
Port Elizabeth businessman Christopher Panayiotou is in court in connection the death of his wife, Jayde
Image: EUGENE COETZEE

Alleged middleman Luthando Siyoni claimed on Monday morning that alleged triggerman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke told him Christopher Panayiotou asked him to kill his wife‚ Jayde.

The about-turn in his testimony - once again - shocked counsel for the state and defence.

Siyoni told the Port Elizabeth High Court that sometime after April 21 last year‚ Vumazonke gave him a lift to the Infinity night club and informed him that Panayiotou was now avoiding him.

Defence advocate Terry Price SC objected to the evidence being hearsay following Vumazonke’s death.

Siyoni said Panayiotou asked him to give Vumazonke a plastic bag containing cash and not to speak of it again.

Siyoni counted out R50,000‚ gave that to Vumazonke and then kept R30,000 for himself.

Jayde’s kidnapping and murder was allegedly orchestrated by Panayiotou‚ 30.

The state alleges Siyoni hired hitmen Vumazonke and Sinethemba Nemembe to carry out the hit. Zolani Sibeko is charged as a co-conspirator.

Testimony continues.

- TMG Digital/The Herald

 

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