PORT ELIZABETH - EXPERT: JADE PANAYIOTOU WAS CROUCHING WHEN SHOT TWICE IN THE BACK

A special spray used by forensic investigators inside the boot of a car allegedly used to kidnap Jayde Panayiotou in April last year‚ reacted positively to what police suspect may have been the presence of blood.

Criminal expert Warrant Officer Phillip Bekker‚ taking the stand for the second day on Tuesday morning‚ said the Blue Star spray turned a fluorescent blue‚ indicating a positive result.

“A problem that sometimes occurs is that the iron in the metal of the boot could also result in a false positive‚” Bekker told the Port Elizabeth High Court.

He was still of the opinion‚ however‚ that the substance spotted by police was blood.

Bekker also attempted to collect touch DNA from the money allegedly used to pay the hitmen‚ but as was the case in thousands of similar studies‚ this proved too difficult.

Touch DNA is the collection of stem cells‚ in addition to fingerprints.

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

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

Bekker also told the court how Jayde‚ 29‚ must have been in a crouching position when she was shot twice in the back. She then slumped to the ground before her shooter fired the final shot to her head.

VIA - sowetanlive.co.za