A disturbing incident of domestic violence has come to light as a local man stands trial for the alleged murder of his wife. Duncan Hoorn is accused of kidnapping and murdering Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn on June 27, 2024.
According to court testimony, hospital staff at Groote Schuur Hospital suspected that Pasqualle-Hoorn's injuries were linked to domestic violence when she was admitted in a battered and bruised state. To protect her identity, staff recorded her under the false name "Susan Smith" while she received treatment.
The trial has revealed extensive injuries sustained by Pasqualle-Hoorn, including 13 unrelated to medical intervention, such as bruising, abrasions, and a fractured right forearm. Forensic pathologist Dr Jill Roman testified that approximately half of these injuries were consistent with defensive-type wounds.
Hoorn has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and claimed in his bail testimony that he was repeatedly prevented from visiting his wife while she was receiving treatment at Groote Schuur Hospital.
The trial will continue on July 27, 2026.