GUILTY South Africa - Jayde Panayiotou, 28, Port Elizabeth, 21 April 2015

[Estelle]

He seems to actively invite these comparisons: in Panayiotou’s bail application, one of the arguments marshalled to defend why he should be given bail was that both Pistorius and Dewani had been granted it.

http://www.dailymaverick.co.za/arti...ive-value-of-south-african-life/#.VWVrzVLdX13

Thought provoking article.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Firstly, I’m sorry we didn’t get to view anything yesterday. I also had a Youtube link but both were from HeraldLive and neither of them worked. Maybe today, but don’t hold your breath.

From Karyn Maughan’s tweets yesterday:

The adjournment has been extended again until noon. The latest affidavit from the State alleges that CP and his mistress’s phones have both been wiped and nothing can be extracted from. (Does this sound familiar?) CP doesn’t deny wiping the phones but denies it was done for a criminal purpose. The State attempted to get help from the FBI in retrieving the information from both phones but they were unable to help. Yet a further adjournment until 2:00pm.

And action … proceedings finally got underway. Prosecutor Marius Stander reopens his case to address questions re the passport and CP’s travels. CP and the mistress’s phones were wiped 4-5 days after Jayde was murdered. Investigator Swanepoel says a possible reason for this was to destroy conversations re the passport. CP has travelled overseas a number of times, one of those trips being for his honeymoon. He used a SA passport for these trips. The State closes its case.

Price repeats that CP applied for his passport 2 years ago but it wasn’t collected. The State doesn’t know why and tells the Court that SA can’t order the Cypriot embassy not to hand over the passport to CP. In other words, if it’s still at the embassy, he can collect it.

Magistrate Beeton tells Price that he needs to show exceptional circumstances to justify bail being granted. He says Swanepoel stated in his affidavit that the community is upset but that the Magistrate isn’t here to “here to satisfy morons, cretins, psychopaths, social media junkies”. He says the police stated that they had a strong case re OscarP and yet he got bail. The case against CP is not unassailable. In the transcript of recording, he says it was only supposed to be a robbery and they’ll be challenging the admissibility of the recording.

Price casts scorn on state argument that CP is a flight risk and says, "Where is he going to run to? in desperation the state seeks a motive... So they've turned a sexual affair into a motive for murder. Good grief." He then comments on the battered appearance of the alleged hitman.

Price says that it’s no good for state to say that CP will destroy evidence (but he already admits that he has) or interfere with witnesses. “This court caters to reasonable objective citizens. Not palookas running around with nooses and placards”. He says the State’s claims re the passport is “is a dirty lie” designed to persuade Beeton that CP is a flight risk. So ends Price’s argument.

Stander then responds by explaining to Beeton that all CP ever had to do was advise Swanepoel that he had dual citizenship, but he never did. Neither the police nor prosecutors are allowed to liaise with the Cypriot government. The reason they assumed CP had the new passport was because he applied for it 2 years ago. (I’d have to agree with this. Most people collect them shortly after they’re issued, not years later. Who’s to say at this point that as he never collected it, he reapplied for a new passport recently). Nevertheless, he’ll accept that CP doesn’t have the new passport if the Defence confirm this.

Stander denies Price’s claims that the hitman has confessed. He reveals that "There is a process in place with Thando Siyoli" - ie an arrangement/possible deal being negotiated”. He says, “There will be a plea and sentence deal done with Thando Siyoli, alleged middleman”.

“His financial situation will suffer. The same as any other incarcerated person”. Costa (CP’s father) has a 45% share in the OK Grocer and does not mention that there would be problems if CP isn’t there, and he proceeds to list all the shareholders, employees that could run CP’s businesses while he's in jail. He slams claims that the OK Grocer will go down the drain if he’s kept in jail.

Stander repeats his claim that CP is a flight risk and states that the Defence hasn’t shown any exceptional circumstances justifying bail. He adds that CP will interfere with witnesses. He refers to the Defence’s claim that CP first claimed he had "nowhere to run to" but later admitted his dad has house in Cyprus.

This brings us up-to-date. Sorry for the late posting but I’ve had a busy day.

 

[Estelle]

Both families are sitting in court separately with no eye contact.

Jayde's mother keeps looking at the door where CP will enter.

 

[Estelle]

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Proceedings are delayed as Magistrate Abigail Beeton has asked for some time #ChristopherPanayiotou #PanayiotouTrial
5:31 PM - 27 May 2015

 

[JudgeJudi]

They are live streaming but the sound is breaking up badly at the moment

http://www.heraldlive.co.za/live-stream-panayiotou-proceedings/

 

[Estelle]

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 1m1 minute ago

#Panayiotou enters courtroom, avoids looking at public gallery where his and wife's family are seated. SS

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 4m4 minutes ago

Jayde's mum stares down Panayiotou as he enters the dock #iol #panayiotou

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 8m8 minutes ago

Panayiotou's mum has a word with Terry Price #iol #Panayiotou

 

[Estelle]

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander: it's become clear that on 25-6 April that evidence on #ChristopherPanayiotou's phone has been cleared, as has that of his mistress

 

[Estelle]

Lee-Anne Butler @leeannebutler

Court now in session. Toni Inggs appears to be emotional #ChristopherPanayiotou @HeraldPE
5:40 PM - 27 May 2015


The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Marius Stander is still reading from his closing arguments. #ChristopherPanayiotou does not make eye contact with anyone. #PanayiotouTrial

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander now refers to interview that #ChristopherPanayiotou lawyer did with @eNCAnews yesterday, confirming that phones were wiped.

 

[Estelle]

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: About April 25 or 26 the applicant's phone had a factory reset. Same with the phone of Chanelle Coutts. #ChristopherPanayiotou
5:46 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander still arguing the risk that #ChristopherPanayiotou is a flight risk, will destroy evidence and interfere with witnesses.
5:47 PM - 27 May 2015

Stander: Griebenow interviewed on TV and said he decided #ChristopherPanayiotou's phone should be wiped after death of #JaydePanayiotou
5:49 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: subsequent to death of #JaydePanayiotou, #ChristopherPanayiotou decided to wipe clean his phone and the phone of Chanelle Coutts
5:53 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: Griebenow said he advised #ChristopherPanayiotou to wipe phone when it became apparent police were investigating him
5:53 PM - 27 May 2015


The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: subsequent to death of #JaydePanayiotou, #ChristopherPanayiotou decided to wipe clean his phone and the phone of Chanelle Coutts
0 retweets 0 favorites
5:53 PM - 27 May 2015

 

[Estelle]

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander: #ChristopherPanayiotou said he had intermittent sexual relationship with mistress, nothing to do with murder. So why wipe phones?

 

[Estelle]

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 1m1 minute ago

He knew police would look into phones that's why he wiped phones says Stander #iol #Panayiotou

Stander : He knew relationship with Coutts was the link #iol #Panayiotou
Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 2m2 minutes ago

Jayde's mum listening to Stander talking about how Panayiotou deleted all items that could expose his sexual relationship with Coutts #iol

The Herald PE ‏@HeraldPE 2m2 minutes ago

Stander: If relationship with Coutts has no link to murder then why get a factory reset on her phone? He knew it was the link #Panayiotou

 

[Estelle]

@HeraldPE

Stander: He is an adult. Who would look at his phone? How will his family find out about his affair? Why wipe it? #ChristopherPanayiotou
5:55 PM - 27 May 2015

Stander: why not just delete sms's about affair? Why go for a factory reset? And why wipe Coutts's phone #ChristopherPanayiotou

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

#ChristopherPanayiotou's phone was confiscated when he was arrested. Coutts's phone was duplicated on to a hard drive #PanayiotouTrial
5:58 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: Clear that #ChristopherPanayiotou is not normal man when it comes to cellphones. He instructs people to delete sim cards.

The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: in his own mind there is a serious concern that he is being monitored. He wants no trace between him and accused 1.

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: #ChristopherPanayiotou wants no trace between him & Coutts, despite her being his employee. Why go to all that touble?
6:02 PM - 27 May 2015

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 6m6 minutes ago

#Panayiotou Stander says at the time Panayiotou deleted data off phones he was not officially a suspect in the murder case. SS

Lee-Anne Butler @leeannebutler

Stander: He knows police have the ability to read data that has been deleted. So he gets a factory reset. #ChristopherPanayiotou @HeraldPE
Retweeted by Karyn Maughan

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 7m7 minutes ago

#Panayiotou state argues Panayiotou destroyed potential evidence by wiping phones. SS

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 8m8 minutes ago

#Panayiotou says he deleted data "to remove all sexual reference" so that his family doesn't find out about affair. SS

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander says its a fair assumption that #ChristopherPanayiotou will only go on trial mid next year.

 

[Estelle]

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 9m9 minutes ago

Stander outlines JUST how cunning Chris Panayiotou is (transcripts PROVE CP's knowledge of getting rid of sim/records). #! #RIPJayde

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 8m8 minutes ago

Stander: Chris Panayiotou gave police FALSE information/explanation. (How CONVENIENT! Well-CP had this whole thing planned out in ADVANCE.)

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 9m9 minutes ago

Panayiotou was found with new handset and simcard when he was arrested #iol #Panayiotou

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 8m8 minutes ago

#Panayiotou Stander says court does not have to speculate on Panayiotou's ability to tamper with evidence, "he's shown it". SS

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 7m7 minutes ago

I'll go to my grave in the belief Chris Panayiotou learnt from #OscarPistorius's miscarriage of justice to DESTROY phone evidence! Clearly!

Smart Money ‏@mafalom 6m6 minutes ago

@barrybateman @ewnreporter #Panayiotou But network has encrypted information which can be used. Back up should be there just summon provider

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander says state plans to conduct "detailed forensic investigation" into #ChristopherPanayiotou's financial affairs.

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 6m6 minutes ago

Stander: Refers to bail and reads courtcases. He's emphasizing reasons why NOT to allow bail to Chritophers Panayiotou. #NObail!

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 7m7 minutes ago

#Panayiotou State says accused got irritated when he was called by the alleged middleman, gave clear instructions: don't call or sms me. SS

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 5m5 minutes ago

#Panayiotou the defense has admitted Panayiotou "arranged" for the phones to be expertly wiped. Impossible to retrieve any data. SS

 

[Estelle]

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 3m3 minutes ago

#Panayiotou Prosecutor says state plans a detailed forensic financial report on Panayiotou's businesses, "there are clear discrepancies". SS

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 3m3 minutes ago

Stander: state was attacked for saying Panayiotou may leave country by def. If assets exceed liabilities-WHY did CP go apply 150K loan?

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 3m3 minutes ago

Stander draws court to sheer LOGIC re Panayiotou's financial affairs & how CP USED #Jayde to get money/apply for loan (for her OWN MURDER)

Justice For Reeva ‏@Truth2Come 4m4 minutes ago

Just thought! Anyone? Could Chris Panayiotou have felt if #Jayde took loan-any money used would not have to be paid back after her death?

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 4m4 minutes ago

#Panayiotou Stander: if accused is worth R3-million, why did he apply for a R150,000 loan? Loan was declined. SS

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Stander points out that #ChristopherPanayiotou was unable to get R150000 loan because he was financially over committed. Jayde had to get it


Karyn Maughan ‏@karynmaughan 2m2 minutes ago

Stander moves onto Tyrone Tiervlei - who #Panayiotou says offered to make his case go away for R45000.

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: #ChristopherPanayiotou makes R20 000 per month from the Infiniti Club. But there is a clear discrepancy #PanayiotouTrial
6:23 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: #ChristopherPanayiotou says his assets exceed liabilities by R3-million but why go apply for loan for R150 000? #PanayiotouTrial

sindiswa ‏@simoolman 3m3 minutes ago

@heraldpe Although he is financially solvent #Panayiotou has cash flow problems, Stander


The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: but financial institution declined the loan and said #ChristopherPanayiotou is financially over committed. #PanayiotouTrial


The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: Then the deceased goes to apply for the loan the following day and it is approved #ChristopherPanayiotou #PanayiotouTrial

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 2m2 minutes ago

Panayiotou has not made a case for exceptional circumstances and bail says Stander #iol #Panayiotou

Lerato Thipa ‏@LThipa 52s52 seconds ago

State:Confirms that the Cypriot passport is in possession of the Cypress High Commission and is available only to Mr Panayiotou. #sabcEC

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: Tyrone Tiervlei never formed part of state's case against #ChristopherPanayiotou #PanayiotouTrial
6:26 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Teirvlei did go to St Albans & a discussion took place where money was discussed - regarding disappearance of docket #ChristopherPanayiotou

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

I'm surprised that #ChristopherPanayiotou says he was dumbstruck by Tiervlei's affidavit. Regarding what we know about phones.
6:29 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: When I look at #ChristopherPanayiotou's track record of interfering, I believe Tiervlei's version of events. #PanayiotouTrial
6:30 PM - 27 May 2015

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: it is not in the interest of justice to permit the release of #ChristopherPanayiotou #PanayiotouTrial
6:33 PM - 27 May 2015


The Herald PE
‏@HeraldPE

Stander: But the situation remains the same. If travel documents handed in he can apply for another. Court can't prevent that.

Laurie A Claase ‏@LaurieAClaase 2m2 minutes ago

To get the Cypriot government to release #ChristopherPanayiotou's passport could take as long as it will take to bring #Panayiotou to trial

 

[Estelle]

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Magistrate questions why #ChristopherPanayiotou was given a single cell. "How long will he be there? No one has explained this"

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Stander: It was conveyed to me that he was placed under suicide watch. But Price rubbishes that info. #ChristopherPanayiotou
6:46 PM - 27 May 2015

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

Magistrate: how strong is the state's case? #ChristopherPanayiotou

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 1m1 minute ago

Beaton asks what is states response to bail conditions proposed by defence #iol #Panayiotou

The Herald PE @HeraldPE

Beeton: Something to consider is bail conditions..Defence has referred to some but what does state submit? #ChristopherPanayiotou
6:49 PM - 27 May 2015

EWN Reporter ‏@ewnreporter 55s56 seconds ago

#Panayiotou State says it needs three months to complete its investigation. SS

Karyn Maughan @karynmaughan

#ChristopherPanayiotou bail application adjourned until 11:15am

 

[Estelle]

10:45 -

High Court dates:

Beeton asking about the availability of High Court dates. Stander indicates that he is not the one to assign the dates but should the defence have instructions from Panayiotou, they can apply immediately for a date.

10:45 - Stander indicates that the case would see both Panayiotou and Vumazonke tried together.

http://m.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/LIVE-Panayiotou-bail-hearing-enters-day-4-20150527

 

[Estelle]

10:54 - Beeton adjourns until 11:15.

10:53 - Beeton hits back saying the court had waited most of yesterday for him.

10:53 - He is objecting to the delay, saying the state has spoken for three hours and at this rate would continue for another hour.

10:53 - Price stands up and says, “We will see you here tomorrow.”

10:51 - Stander asks for a short adjournment.

http://m.news24.com/news24/SouthAfrica/News/LIVE-Panayiotou-bail-hearing-enters-day-4-20150527

I like this Magistrate. She is not afraid to say it how it is. It sounds as if Terry Price is a little miffed and not so sure of himself to use this sarcasm.

 

[Estelle]

Viasen Soobramoney ‏@ViasenS 1m1 minute ago

Chanelle Coutts lawyer has arrived at court during adjournment #iol #Panayiotou

 

[Estelle]

IMO Chris is a cruel, cunning, conniving, calculated criminal (allegedly!)

 

[pappa rob]

It must of been pretty damming to have wiped his and the girlfriends phone. Not only overextended financially but in the relationship department as well. It must cost a lot trying to keep a wife and a girlfriend happy. I think that $$$ is the key here.