‘Kidnap vehicle’ tracked

Through a geographical information system and cell phone data, an investigative analyst has plotted the movements of the vehicle Jayde Panayiotou was allegedly kidnapped and transported in before she was killed two years ago.

Thereza Botha testified yesterday for the second day in the ongoing murder trial involving Christopher Panayiotou, pictured, and his two co-accused.

According to the data, the vehicle rented by Jayde’s alleged killer, Sizwe Vumazonke, left his house at 5.24am. Data indicated that Vumazonke made a call to both Nenembe and Khusta Vandala.

At 6.03am, the vehicle was at the intersection of the R102 and Kabega Road.

At 6.27am, vehicle tracker data indicated harsh braking, but the vehicle’s ignition was not switched off. According to Botha’s evidence, this was the last time the vehicle circled the Stelen Glen complex.

Vumazonke’s number again called Nenembe – both their numbers received reception from the Linton Grange tower, situated near the couple’s complex.

“GIS movement of the vehicle indicates that [Stelen Glen] block was circled six to seven times,” Botha testified.

By 7.09am, Vumazonke made a call to self-confessed middleman Luthando Siyoni.

Panayiotou is accused of paying Siyoni, a bouncer from his Infinity nightclub, to hire Vumazonke to kidnap and kill Jayde.

The state alleges Jayde was kidnapped outside the couple’s complex, Stelen Glen, in Kabega Park while she was waiting for a lift to work.– ANA