Magistrate Abigail Beeton has concluded her report back to the State and Defence in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate's court as to why she denied bail in the Christopher Panayiotou case.
The 28-year old businessman is accused of orchestrating the abduction and murder of his school teacher wife Jayde, who was shot three times and her body dumped in an area near Kwanobuhle in Uitenhage in April.
Beeton said that in her view, there were no bail conditions that would ensure that Panayiotou would not abscond and would not interfere with witnesses.
She added that Panayiotou had failed to discharge the onus that exceptional circumstances existed for him to be released on bail.
Beeton said that bearing in mind that the investigation was incomplete, in the event Panayiotou was released on bail, there was a likelihood that he would tamper with evidence.
Beeton stated that the 28-year old "did not play open cards with the court" by not disclosing he had dual citizenship in his founding affidavit.
She said disclosing information about travel documents and his dual citizenship status was crucial
The matter was postponed until the 19th June with Beeton acknowledging that by the time the matter goes to trial Panayiotou will likely have been incarcerated for close on a year.
Panayiotou is expected to appear alongside two co- accused, the alleged middleman Luthando Siyoni and the alleged hitman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke.
The three will meet face-to-face for the first time since their arrest.
National Prosecuting Authority Spokesperson Tsepo Ndwalaza welcomed Magistrate Beeton's handling of the matter.
"As the NPA we are really convinced now more than ever that the decision that was taken by the court was the right decision. It was done purely based on the interest of justice. We are encouraged by the fact that the NPA was able to convince the court, it would of been risky if the court gave him bail." said Ndwalaza.
Meanwhile, defence attorney Alwyn Griebenow told the media that they were studying the judgement and would decide on a way forward from there.
