Hanover Park Man Charged with Wife’s Murder to Stand Trial

The trial of a Hanover Park man charged with the kidnapping and murder of his wife, following an alleged argument over infidelity, is about to commence at the Western Cape High Court situated in the Wynberg Regional Court.

Duncan Hoorn is facing counts of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the ends of justice in relation to the death of his wife, Chantal Pasqualle-Hoorn, with whom he spent 10 years of marriage.

Chantal was reportedly assaulted and stabbed on June 28, 2024. She remained in a coma for a month before passing away from her injuries on July 28, 2024.

The case garnered considerable media attention, with local residents voicing their concerns over what they perceived to be a delay in Hoorn’s arrest, which occurred two days post Chantal’s funeral.

The indictment from the State outlines that prosecutors will assert Hoorn unlawfully and intentionally restricted Chantal’s freedom by confining her within their residence and preventing her from leaving.

Additionally, the State claims that he assaulted her through hitting, kicking, and jumping on her, followed by multiple stabbings with a knife or another unknown object.

Prosecutors argue that the assault was premeditated, and that Chantal’s death was a consequence of ongoing physical abuse. If found guilty of murder, the State aims to pursue the mandatory minimum sentence of life imprisonment.

Hoorn is also charged with defeating the administration of justice, as the State alleges that he endeavored to hide evidence post-attack by cleaning blood from items associated with the assault and removing blood stains and splatter from surfaces within their home.

The trial will feature testimonies from various witnesses as the State attempts to present its case against the defendant.

Hoorn has consistently pleaded not guilty.

Proceedings are scheduled to commence on Monday.