Daubermann had argued that the only evidence connecting Nemembe and Sibeko to the planning of the commission of the offence was cellphone evidence‚ something which he did not believe to be reliable.
The application was vehemently opposed by state advocate Marius Stander‚ who said the accused did not explain why they were in constant communication with suspected triggerman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke.
In addition‚ Nemembe’s handset placed him at the scene of the murder.
Judge Chetty dismissed the application and said he would give reasons for his ruling at a later stage.
The case was meanwhile postponed to September 26 for the defence to present its case.
Christopher Panayiotou is accused of hiring hitmen to kidnap and kill his wife in April 2015.
- HeraldLIVE