The pre-trial court hearing of Christopher Panayiotou and his three co-accused will commence on Monday in the Port Elizabeth High Court.

During  the initial pre-trial hearing, Advocate Hanlie Bakker, who represents accused No 2 Sizwezakhe Vumazonke, told the court that he was medically unfit to start the pre-trial hearing.

Panayioutou is the alleged mastermind behind the abduction and murder of his wife, Jayde, in April last year.

The other two suspects are Sinethemba Nenembe and Zolani Sibeko.

It was the first time that the four men appeared in court together at the initial pre-trial hearing.

State prosecutor Marius Stander asked for the trial to be postponed as there was still some outstanding documents.

Advocate Hanlie Bakker agreed with the postponement citing her client’s illness.

The state also confirmed the official trial date has been set down for October 3.