Jayde case ‘sting’ man in the dock

TRAP: DEMANDED MORE MONEY

Next appearance with husband of murdered PE teacher and one other.

The man believed to be instrumental in the state’s case to prove conspiracy to murder Port Elizabeth school teacher Jayde Panayiotou, appeared briefly in the Port Elizabeth Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

Luthando Siyoli, 31, covered his face with his hands when he appeared.

He was the first person arrested following the discovery of the body of the popular Riebeek College Girls’ High School school teacher on a farm in Rocklands near Uitenhage on April 22. She had been shot in the head.

Siyoli, Jayde’s husband, Christopher Panayiotou, and Sizwezakhe Vumazonke are all charged with involvement in the murder. The trio all face charges of murder, kidnapping, conspiracy to commit murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances.

According to insiders close to the case Siyoli has turned state witness against his two co-accused.

After his arrest, Siyoli pointed police to Christopher Panayiotou and a sting operation was reportedly set up in which Siyoli demanded more money because of the “hype” surrounding the alleged hit on Jayde.

At his court appearance yesterday, his case was remanded to June 19 – the same day as his co-accused. That date will be the first time all three accused will appear together.

Police have, however, not ruled out further arrests.

Siyoli was remanded at Humewood police station until his next court appearance. – ANA