PORT ELIZABETH - PANAYIOTOU MURDER TRIAL GETS ADJOURNMENT TO FRIDAY

The murder trial of Port Elizabeth businessman Christopher Panayiotou and his two co-accused, Sinethemba Nenembe and Zolani Sibeko, has been adjourned to Friday in the Port Elizabeth High Court. This is after a four month adjournment.

Wednesday saw witnesses being cross-examined in the trial within a trial, relating to the admissibility of evidence given by alleged middle-man, Luthando Siyoni.

The State is arguing for the right to present video evidence allegedly linking Panayiotou to the murder of his deceased teacher wife, Jayde.

The defence is arguing that Siyoni was assaulted by police whilst in custody.

Warrant Officer Berne Kleingeld, Sergeant Mncedi Gcukumana, and Lieutenant Colonel Audrey Till took the stand on Wednesday. Proceedings have been adjourned until Friday morning.

Separate case against Nenembe postponed till next year

Meanwhile the case against Sinethemba Nenembe, charged with the murder of 78-year-old Denise Webber, was postponed in the Port Elizabeth High Court on Wednesday until January next year.

Nenembe is also charged with the abduction and murder of Jayde Panayiotou and is currently standing trial in that matter.

The case against Christopher Panayiotou, Zolani Sibeko and Nenembe got underway on Wednesday after a five-month break.

Webber was killed at her home in August 2015.

Nenembe, along with three other accused, are facing charges of murder and robbery.

The indictment reads: “They tied her on both her legs and arms and strangled her to death.”

According to the State, the men fled the scene with a number of expensive personal and household items which were later recovered by police.

The case was postponed until January 30 next year.

VIA - sabc