PORT ELIZABETH - NPA SAYS PANAYIOTOU IS NOT RECEIVING PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT

Alleged wife killer Christopher Panayiotou is not receiving preferential treatment, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) said on Tuesday.

The Port Elizabeth businessman is accused of hiring men to kill his wife, Jayde Panayiotou, in April last year.

Panayiotou is applying for bail for a third time and the case has suffered numerous setbacks and postponements.

The prosecution, defence and magistrate have all voiced their frustration with the slow pace of the case, which first came before court in April last year.

A trial date has been set for October but before that, Panayiotou’s third bail hearing must be dealt with.

NPA spokesperson Tshepo Ndwalaza says the alleged murderer is well within his rights.

“We are not doing that because he has a lot of money. He was given an opportunity to apply for a shot at bail because they argued that they have new facts.”

The bail hearing continues on Friday.

VIA - ewn.co.ZA