The man accused of orchestrating his wife’s murder in April is expected back in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

Christopher Panayiotou, 28, and his co-accused Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, 30, believed to be the hitman, are accused of plotting to kill and murder Panayiotou’s wife Jayde.

Jayde was kidnapped on Tuesday, April 21, while waiting outside her complex in Kabega Park for her lift to Riebeek College Girls’ High School in Uitenhage, where she taught. Her body was found near KwaNobuhle, Uitenhage, the next day.

At his last court appearance in August, Panayiotou appeared more informally dressed than during his previous appearances, wearing a navy blue windbreaker and jeans.

He is still being held at St Albans prison after his bail appeal was dismissed in the High Court in Grahamstown last month.

Vumazonkhe also appeared casual and relaxed, sporting a denim jacket and jeans.

Panayiotou’s family once again filled the front row of a packed courtroom with a large media contingent, although cameras were not allowed in the courtroom.

Vumazonkhe’s sister, who refused to give her name or talk to the media, was also in the front row.

At the time, prosecutor Marius Stander requested the matter be remanded to Monday, September 28, and to have the matter referred to the high court on the day.

Panayiotou’s defence advocate, Terry Price SC and Vumazonkhe’s defence attorney, Anne Swanepoel, agreed to the date.

Price said he wanted further confirmation that the matter would be referred to the high court for its first sitting next year, on January 21.

He also asked that it would be set down for trial on April 19, 2016. News24