GQEBERHA – A week after appearing before the parole board, convicted criminal Zolani Sibeko was told he would remain behind bars.

The decision was communicated to the family of murdered teacher Jayde Panayiotou following his appearance before the parole board on 27 May.

Sibeko is serving a 15-year prison sentence for conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Panayiotou’s 2015 murder.

Family attorney Tania Koen confirmed to PE Express that parole had been denied.

“We were informed yesterday,” she shared. “The family is deeply relieved by the decision to deny parole. This is a victory for all victims and for society as a whole.”

Koen commended the parole board for “taking an informed and appropriate decision” in which the family’s opposition to parole was clearly considered.

“It is clear that the parole board is applying Minister Pieter Groenewald’s directive: parole must be reserved for offenders who meet all requirements and pose no risk to society,” she said.

 “A violent offender who is not rehabilitated and still poses a danger to society must remain incarcerated. The family thanks all those who have supported them throughout this difficult process.”

She added that Sibeko would be eligible for parole reconsideration in 12 months’ time.

Panayiotou was abducted outside her Kabega Park home in Gqeberha on 21 April 2015 while waiting for transport to work. Her body was discovered later that day in KwaNobuhle near Kariega.

In August 2017, the Eastern Cape High Court in Gqeberha found her husband, Christopher Panayiotou, guilty of orchestrating her murder.

Co-accused Sinethemba Nenembe was convicted of murder and robbery with aggravating circumstances, while Sibeko was convicted of conspiracy to commit murder.

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