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

[Interested Bystander]

Will 9 days be long enough for the DT?

Thank you for the updates JJ.

 

[Tortoise]

Will 9 days be long enough for the DT?

Thank you for the updates JJ.

Basically there is nothing CP can do - since his team lost their bid to have the tape evidence ruled inadmissible, he was looking at a guilty verdict, and that is why the state moved on immediately to the other two accused.

It seems to me that CP has nothing to gain and more to lose by going in the witness box - there is nothing he can say that will get him off. He hinted at his bail application that he would say he was setting Siyoni up, to get information from him, but that is so blatantly untrue I think Judge Chetty could even penalise him further for such an audacious lie, because it goes towards utter lack of responsibility and remorse and negates any argument at sentencing for mitigating factors.

If you recall Price brought an application for J Chetty to recuse himself on the basis that he didn't give reasons for allowing the tape into evidence, but Price then withdrew the application when he found out that the judge doesn't have to give reasons until the end of the trial.

My take on it is that Price knows he can't get his client off now, and he will probably advise CP not to take the stand, so that CP can avoid answering any questions, and then at the end of the trial when the guilty verdict comes in and J Chetty gives his reasons, Price will attack the reasons and say CP had no choice about giving evidence because he was already prejudiced or disadvantaged by unfair procedural defects with the trial. So it's written on the wall already that CP will lodge an appeal.

Therefore I don't see the defence bringing any evidence in CP's case and J Chetty who's been around the block a few times probably already knows that, which is why he said he hopes it can be wrapped up during the two weeks they've booked in. Those two weeks will probably be spent on the other two hopeless cases.

 

[Tortoise]

It was the last sitting of this session, with the case set to resume on September 26 to 29, and then provisionally from October 16 to 20, subject to Daubermann's availability.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/N...otou-trial-have-a-case-to-answer-for-20170630

 

[Interested Bystander]

Basically there is nothing CP can do - since his team lost their bid to have the tape evidence ruled inadmissible, he was looking at a guilty verdict, and that is why the state moved on immediately to the other two accused.

It seems to me that CP has nothing to gain and more to lose by going in the witness box - there is nothing he can say that will get him off. He hinted at his bail application that he would say he was setting Siyoni up, to get information from him, but that is so blatantly untrue I think Judge Chetty could even penalise him further for such an audacious lie, because it goes towards utter lack of responsibility and remorse and negates any argument at sentencing for mitigating factors.

If you recall Price brought an application for J Chetty to recuse himself on the basis that he didn't give reasons for allowing the tape into evidence, but Price then withdrew the application when he found out that the judge doesn't have to give reasons until the end of the trial.

My take on it is that Price knows he can't get his client off now, and he will probably advise CP not to take the stand, so that CP can avoid answering any questions, and then at the end of the trial when the guilty verdict comes in and J Chetty gives his reasons, Price will attack the reasons and say CP had no choice about giving evidence because he was already prejudiced or disadvantaged by unfair procedural defects with the trial. So it's written on the wall already that CP will lodge an appeal.

Therefore I don't see the defence bringing any evidence in CP's case and J Chetty who's been around the block a few times probably already knows that, which is why he said he hopes it can be wrapped up during the two weeks they've booked in. Those two weeks will probably be spent on the other two hopeless cases.

Thanks JJ. I think you are right. No point in CP taking the stand and definitely an appeal.

How sad it is that life is so cheap in SA.

 

[Tortoise]

Thanks JJ. I think you are right. No point in CP taking the stand and definitely an appeal.

How sad it is that life is so cheap in SA.

Yep, that's exactly what I've been thinking myself this week, every time I've seen a picture of CP sitting in court. How he could simply decide that Jayde's life was dispensable. I feel bad when I kill an ant. Why on earth could he not just divorce her?

I was reading yesterday that there was another mystery female in this story by the name of Jenny. I'm wondering if that was another affair he had before Coutts.

I feel mean correcting you but I'm not JJ and if I don't say anything she might think I'm trying to impersonate her

 

[Interested Bystander]

Yep, that's exactly what I've been thinking myself this week, every time I've seen a picture of CP sitting in court. How he could simply decide that Jayde's life was dispensable. I feel bad when I kill an ant. Why on earth could he not just divorce her?

I was reading yesterday that there was another mystery female in this story by the name of Jenny. I'm wondering if that was another affair he had before Coutts.

I feel mean correcting you but I'm not JJ and if I don't say anything she might think I'm trying to impersonate her

Hi Tortoise. I know full well you are not JJ . Sorry, I am trying to catch up and am obviously not concentrating. I noted there was a post of Judi's I wanted to comment on and completely missed it and clicked on yours. Don't worry about correcting me - you should .

I wonder whether there are other ladies in the wings? Even more than one. He seems such an untrustworthy evil man it would not surprise me one bit.

I am really hoping the judge locks him up and throws away the key.

 

[Interested Bystander]

It's my understanding that the court is about to go into the end of term recess which lasts about a month. Then we'll have to wait for available dates. Hopefully we will get them in one block, but this won't necessarily happen.

I'm beginning to wonder if CP will take the stand at all.

I think we would all like to see CP cross examined but, like you, I cannot see him taking the stand. Surely he would only make things worse, if that is possible. What an evil young man he is. I struggle to understand just how evil some people can be.

 

[JudgeJudi]

I think she means Sibeko, not Nemembe.

This is confirmed here

[FONT=&amp]In addition, Nemembe’s handset placed him at the scene of the murder.

http://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/2017/06/30/panayiotou-trial-postponed-september/
[/FONT]

Thanks Tortoise. That's a bad error for the journo to make.

 

[JudgeJudi]

RSBM

Basically there is nothing CP can do - since his team lost their bid to have the tape evidence ruled inadmissible, he was looking at a guilty verdict, and that is why the state moved on immediately to the other two accused.

It seems to me that CP has nothing to gain and more to lose by going in the witness box - there is nothing he can say that will get him off. He hinted at his bail application that he would say he was setting Siyoni up, to get information from him, but that is so blatantly untrue I think Judge Chetty could even penalise him further for such an audacious lie, because it goes towards utter lack of responsibility and remorse and negates any argument at sentencing for mitigating factors.

If you recall Price brought an application for J Chetty to recuse himself on the basis that he didn't give reasons for allowing the tape into evidence, but Price then withdrew the application when he found out that the judge doesn't have to give reasons until the end of the trial.

My take on it is that Price knows he can't get his client off now, and he will probably advise CP not to take the stand, so that CP can avoid answering any questions, and then at the end of the trial when the guilty verdict comes in and J Chetty gives his reasons, Price will attack the reasons and say CP had no choice about giving evidence because he was already prejudiced or disadvantaged by unfair procedural defects with the trial. So it's written on the wall already that CP will lodge an appeal.

Therefore I don't see the defence bringing any evidence in CP's case and J Chetty who's been around the block a few times probably already knows that, which is why he said he hopes it can be wrapped up during the two weeks they've booked in. Those two weeks will probably be spent on the other two hopeless cases.

I expressed my doubts about him taking the stand a few pages earlier. Once that video was shown it was all over as far as I'm concerned. There's no way he could withstand cross-examination. Sometimes counsel can twist words that have been said and try and give them a different meaning but it's not often you ever get such an incriminating tape as this one. No wonder the defence fought tooth and nail to have it ruled inadmissible.

He won't be penalised for lying under oath because that's what guilty people do. After all, he pleaded not guilty. I agree that there are no mitigating circumstances. What will definitely go against him is the degree of premeditation which in this case is extreme. The fact that there were 2 unsuccessful attempts adds immeasurably to this. He'll be given a mandatory life sentence of 25 years, or possibly even more, which means he won't be able to apply for parole until he's served 25 years. Further, there's no guarantee that he'd be successful the first time around.

I believe the defence will address many of the issues they have in their final argument, particularly the main ones where Chetty ruled against them. All these issues, and there are many, can be used for their grounds of appeal. I can't over-emphasise enough though that Chetty has sat on the bench of both the SCA and the ConCourt. He knows the law well and I'm certain he's absolutely confident in the decisions he has made to date.

Yep, that's exactly what I've been thinking myself this week, every time I've seen a picture of CP sitting in court. How he could simply decide that Jayde's life was dispensable. I feel bad when I kill an ant. Why on earth could he not just divorce her?

I was reading yesterday that there was another mystery female in this story by the name of Jenny. I'm wondering if that was another affair he had before Coutts.

I feel mean correcting you but I'm not JJ and if I don't say anything she might think I'm trying to impersonate her

The reason he didn't divorce her was because he wasn't earning enough money and was only able to purchase the new house with the money from Jayde's father. He only had a 10% shareholding in the OK business and clearly it wasn't enough to support his wife and mistress, coupled with his financial obligations on the house. If he divorced Jayde, the house would have been sold and he wouldn't have been entitled to 50% of the proceeds. He just wanted it all, and quite frankly, I'm surprised he'd gotten away with his double life for a number of years. Coutts may not have been aware of his true financial position and wanted to have a better lifestyle. What she saw in him is beyond me, other than the money she thought he had.

And finally ... :floorlaugh: I realised the mistake instantly and I'm sure everyone else here did too. Do we look like sisters? Maybe not, but we sound like them.

 

[JudgeJudi]

Will 9 days be long enough for the DT?

Thank you for the updates JJ.

It should be, but you know what Price is like. I think Daubermann will put up a good fight re Sibeko. There's less evidence against him, and bearing in mind the potential sentence, it's a case worth fighting for from the defence standpoint.

 

[Tortoise]

JJ, wasn't the house purchased after he started looking for someone to kill Jayde? I'll see if I can gather some more background info on this. Because I believe murder for financial gain would be another aggravating factor taken into account at sentencing.

 

[Tortoise]

This is what I've been able to turn up concerning the houses -

Stellen Glen house bought in 2008 for R540,000
Sold in Nov 2015 for R665,000

Lovemore Heights house - purchase contract signed in Feb 2015 - price R2,350,000*
Sold July 2015 for R2,600,000

Jayde's parents contributed R200,000
Jayde borrowed R150,000 in March 2015

*The bank had a registered bond for the full purchase price, and there was also a bank bond on the Stellen Glen house.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Christopher-Panayiotou-becomes-owner-of-luxury-home-20150531
http://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/top-news/2016/11/07/panayiotous-two-homes-sold/

 

[JudgeJudi]

JJ, wasn't the house purchased after he started looking for someone to kill Jayde? I'll see if I can gather some more background info on this. Because I believe murder for financial gain would be another aggravating factor taken into account at sentencing.

Yes. In September 2014, CP approached Thando Siyoni and asked him to source a hitman/shooter to kill someone. At that time, the name of the person was not discussed but TS eventually came to learn that it was CP’s wife, Jayde.

In February 2015, TS approached Sizwe Vumazonke who agreed to kill her.

On 22 February 2015 CP signed the purchase contract for the new home.

Jayde was murdered on 21 April 2015.

However, CP was the sole owner of the house, i.e. they weren't joint tenants. (See below for further comment).

This is what I've been able to turn up concerning the houses -

Stellen Glen house bought in 2008 for R540,000
Sold in Nov 2015 for R665,000

Lovemore Heights house - purchase contract signed in Feb 2015 - price R2,350,000*
Sold July 2015 for R2,600,000

Jayde's parents contributed R200,000
Jayde borrowed R150,000 in March 2015

*The bank had a registered bond for the full purchase price, and there was also a bank bond on the Stellen Glen house.

http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Christopher-Panayiotou-becomes-owner-of-luxury-home-20150531
http://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/top-news/2016/11/07/panayiotous-two-homes-sold/

I wasn't familiar with what a bank bond on a home was. I now know it's just another name for a mortgage. Things quickly get interesting now.

On the new home, the bond was for the full purchase price. In other words, there was no deposit. What did CP do with the money from Jayde's father and the loan Jayde took out? Spending money for the mistress and/or to pay for the murder? When the new house was subsequently sold, he would have had to repay the loan (bond) from the bank, the loan from Jayde's father, if there was paperwork, together with the money Jayde borrowed.

In these circumstances I'm not sure if financial gain would come into the equation as the house was in his name only.

 

[Tortoise]

I wonder if Jayde wanted to start a family. That's the one that makes more sense to me, knowing CP wasn't committed to her and looking at her age, her career, and the length of time they had been married.

Total speculation, but she may have decided not to use contraception and he may have thought she could end up pregnant at any time, which would drive his mistress away. Maybe the excuse until then was that the house they were in wasn't big enough or in a suitable location to raise a family. I haven't noticed any mention of family plans in the trial, which I find strange when the lives of a young couple are under scrutiny, and sometimes looking at what is being avoided can be a clue all of its own.

 

[JudgeJudi]

That's an interesting point. I've never heard anyone mention anything about her wanting a family, and they had been together as a couple for 11 years. That's a very long time. Jayde never mentioned a family in the few notes we've seen either. Very strange.

 

[PrimeSuspect]

I wonder if Jayde wanted to start a family. That's the one that makes more sense to me, knowing CP wasn't committed to her and looking at her age, her career, and the length of time they had been married.

Total speculation, but she may have decided not to use contraception and he may have thought she could end up pregnant at any time, which would drive his mistress away. Maybe the excuse until then was that the house they were in wasn't big enough or in a suitable location to raise a family. I haven't noticed any mention of family plans in the trial, which I find strange when the lives of a young couple are under scrutiny, and sometimes looking at what is being avoided can be a clue all of its own.

That's an interesting point. I've never heard anyone mention anything about her wanting a family, and they had been together as a couple for 11 years. That's a very long time. Jayde never mentioned a family in the few notes we've seen either. Very strange.

Very good point tortoise. I wouldn't be surprised if this is the carrot CP dangled in front of Jayde to keep her in the marriage. Jayde was expecting that they would have children together when the time was right while CP had no such plans. It means CP is a calculating sinister man without a conscience! We're talking Scott Peterson and Helen Bailey's fiance, Ian Stewart type of evil!

 

[ApplesInMyBra]

Anyone know when this trial continues again?

 

[Tortoise]

Anyone know when this trial continues again?

September 26th for 4 days, and then provisionally Oct 16th for 5 days.

 

[ApplesInMyBra]

The trial continues tomorrow. Anyone have any predictions??

 

[JudgeJudi]

The trial continues tomorrow. Anyone have any predictions??

I can't see any point at all in him testifying.

For anyone who hasn't seen it, here's the secret video recording of Panayiotou & Luthando Siyoni:

http://www.heraldlive.co.za/news/top...dleman-siyoni/

It doesn’t get much more damning than this.

Live tweets from court: https://twitter.com/HeraldPE