CGE welcomes the guilty verdict handed down to Christopher Panayiotou and co-accused
The Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) welcomes the guilty verdict handed down to Jayde Panayiotou’s killers, her husband Christopher Panayiotou and two -co-accused. The case once again brings the spotlight to the rampant and endemic surge in intimate partner killings.
Having been found guilty by Judge Dayalin Chetty on the charge of murder, we believe that is a reason enough for Judge Chetty to sentence them on 17 November 2017 to a lengthy jail sentence, as this will set a precedent to All partners who remain hell-bent on threatening women and their immediate families daily, violating even court orders, interdicting them against Gender violence.
The CGE believes that such a successful prosecution sends a strong message and will definitely gives courage to other victims of gender-based violence to come out and testify as the country deals with the scourge of violence against women and intimate partner killings. Research shows that four women a day are killed by their partners. This has to stop!
“The CGE commends the police, prosecutorial team and the Judge who acted relentless in pursuit of the truth, justice was served. The Gender Commission is calling for hefty and lengthy sentence to Christopher Panayiotou and his two co-accused. This will send a clear message to those that use violence and threats asset their power against women to settle family dispute that its criminal and they will not continue to remain in our homes, in our streets and our communities!” said the Ms Lulama Nare, the Chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality
Javu Baloyi
Tel: 083 579 3306
