The Port Elizabeth businessman is appealing Magistrate Abigail Beaton’s decision to deny him bail. It is alleged that Panayiotou hired Luthando Siyoli to kill his teacher wife, Jayde in April.
Proceedings began this morning with argument about the jurisdiction of the court to hear the appeal. The defence also brought an application for new evidence to be submitted. The defence also questioned the strength of the state’s case.
Later the court heard from Panayiotou’s newly appointed additional lawyer, Mike Hellens SC, that the conditions at St Albans Prison where Panayiotou is being held where so inhumane that “human beings are packed together and forced to defecate in front of each other”.
Judge Glen Goosen has reserved judgment until 28 July.
