NATIONAL NEWS - Lawyers for murder accused Christopher Panayiotou continue to lock horns with the state over where his appeal on the decision to deny him bail should be heard.

While the defence wants the matter to be argued in the Grahamstown High Court, because they feel there will be less media attention there, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is adamant the matter should stay in Port Elizabeth.

Rumours that the appeal would be heard today were also dispelled by NPA provincial spokesman Tsepo Ndwalaza, who said a date had not yet been set.

Nwdalaza said they were still waiting for copies of the record pertaining to Panayiotou’s bail application which played out in the Port Elizabeth Magistrate’s Court last month.

He said only then could state advocate Marius Stander prepare argument.

Panayiotou, 28, was denied bail on June 5, after magistrate Abigail Beeton found him to be a flight risk, among other factors.

It is alleged Panayiotou paid a bouncer at his nightclub, Infinity, Luthando Siyoli, 31, to hire hitman Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, 30, to kidnap and murder Jayde, 29, in April. They are all in custody.