Duncan Hoorn Denies Assaulting Wife In Western Cape High Court Murder Trial

Duncan Hoorn has denied assaulting his wife, Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn, while testifying in his own defence in the Western Cape High Court, where he is facing charges linked to her death.

Hoorn is charged with kidnapping, murder and defeating the administration of justice following Chantel's death in June 2024. Giving evidence on Monday, he insisted he was not responsible for the injuries that led to her death.

He told the court that Chantel contacted him on 27 June and asked him to collect her from a guesthouse in Cape Town, where he claimed he discovered she had been with another man.

Duncan Hoorn Tells Court He Never Assaulted Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn

The Duncan Hoorn murder trial heard that he saw Chantel leave the guesthouse in tears while another man allegedly ran away from the property.

Hoorn said he briefly chased after the man before returning to his wife. He testified that during the drive home she admitted to having a relationship with the man, which led to an argument between them.

“We drove and I continued arguing. Chantel was driving because I can’t drive,” he testified.

Hoorn acknowledged that voice notes presented as evidence captured Chantel crying out for help. However, he claimed the recordings were made after he grabbed the steering wheel and suggested they drive off a mountain.

He also denied noticing any injuries on his wife at the time.

State Challenges Hoorn's Version Of Events

During cross-examination, State prosecutor Advocate Renée Uys questioned several aspects of Hoorn's testimony.

She asked why he contacted Chantel's family to enquire about her whereabouts if, as he claimed, she had already asked him to collect her from the guesthouse.

The prosecutor further alleged that Hoorn assaulted Chantel after discovering her with another man.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Cape Town Seeks Greater Metro Police Crime Investigation Powers In Dispute With Acting Police Minister

“I did not assault her. Who said I did that?” he responded.

Hoorn also rejected claims that Chantel had been calling for help from the couple's balcony when police arrived.

“My wife and I were never on the balcony,” he told the court.

Murder Trial Continues As Court Hears Medical Evidence

The court heard that Chantel was admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital unconscious and suffering from severe brain injuries as well as a fractured forearm.

When asked who was responsible for those injuries, Hoorn blamed the man he alleged had been with Chantel at the guesthouse.

“It has to be him. It can only be him.”

The trial is continuing in the Western Cape High Court.