State to investigate claims made in Chris Panayiotou’s affidavit

Panayiotou is accused of hiring two men to abduct and murder his wife, Jayde, more than three weeks ago.

CAPE TOWN - The state says it will further investigate

statements in an affidavit from alleged wife killer Christopher Panayiotou.

Affidavits were presented during Panayiotou's bail hearing at the Port Elizabeth Magistrates Court on Thursday.

The hearing was postponed until 20 May.

Panayiotou is accused of hiring two men to abduct and murder

his wife, Jayde, more than three weeks ago.

The state questioned Panyiotou's claim that he earns R30,000 a month.

Prosecutor Marius Stander told the court this and other

statements made by Panayiotou in an affidavit will be followed up by an

investigating officer.

Panayiotou owns at least two businesses in Port Elizabeth.

In the affidavit, he says he fears being held as an awaiting

trial prisoner will result in what he's called "economic torture" for his 60

employees.

The prosecution says the investigating officer will be in

court to give feedback when Panayiotou's bail hearing continues on Wednesday.

JAYDE'S MURDER DOWNPLAYED

In his affidavit, Panayiotou argued by

saying, "every day, very serious murders are committed, far more serious than

this one".

He was remanded in

custody at St. Albans Prison.

During his bail hearing, the court heard how the

28-year-old bemoans prison conditions, describing them as "disgusting".

He also complained that the lighting in cells is not sufficient

for reading and writing, which he claims contravenes the Constitution.

The state will submit opposing documents by Saturday.

PISTORIUS COMPARISON

Panayiotou also seemingly compared his case to the Oscar

Pistorius murder trial.

He continued to argue that like Pistorius, he should also be

granted bail.

The murder accused said in the Pistorius matter, the state

also thought it had a strong case.

He declared his innocence, saying he's confident

he'll be found not guilty in the kidnapping and murder case of his wife.

He declared his love for Jayde, saying that he had no motive to

have had her killed.

The state on Thursday added a charge of defeating the ends

of justice to the existing counts of conspiracy to commit murder, kidnapping,

robbery and murder which he faces in court on 19 June.

While none of his family members were in court for his first

court appearance last Monday, Panayiotou's next of kin rallied behind him for

his bail hearing on Thursday.

His mother and father also submitted supporting affidavits

in which they described their son as a kind and gentle person.