Tracy-Lynn Ruiters | Published 48 minutes ago
Ending day three of the murder trial of Hanover Park mother Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn, the State called its third witness to the stand, with an Anti-Gang Unit officer recounting a conversation he said left him stunned.
Constable Warrick Fortuin testified in the Western Cape High Court sitting in the Wynberg Regional Court on Wednesday about a visit he made to the couple's home on July 11, 2024, during which Duncan Hoorn allegedly admitted assaulting his wife.
Hoorn has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, murder and defeating the administration of justice.
Fortuin told the court that upon arriving at the residence, he was greeted by Hoorn, who emerged from inside the house.
The officer said he asked Hoorn who was present at the property.
According to Fortuin, Hoorn replied that only the two of them were there.
The response immediately raised suspicions as Chantel's vehicle was parked outside the house.
"I asked him where Chantel was because her vehicle was standing there," Fortuin testified.
The officer said Hoorn once again insisted that only the two of them were present and even invited him inside to verify it for himself.
"He said I could come and check."
Fortuin followed Hoorn upstairs and began inspecting the property.
The officer told the court that he found it unusual that Chantel was nowhere to be seen, explaining that whenever he had previously encountered the couple, they were almost always together.
"I was in disbelief because they were always together."
It was during their conversation upstairs that Fortuin said something changed.
According to his testimony, Hoorn suddenly broke eye contact.
"He looked down at the floor and said: 'Ons het baklei, toe moer ek haar, toe val sy af by die trappe.'"
The statement, Fortuin told the court, left him shocked.
"I didn't know whether he was joking or not."
Wanting clarity, Fortuin said he challenged Hoorn and asked whether he would have any objection if police obtained a statement from Chantel herself.
The officer testified that Hoorn appeared unfazed by the suggestion.
"He told me I could go ahead and try, but he knows his wife would never make a case against him."
Fortuin then questioned Hoorn further about Chantel's condition and whereabouts.
The court heard that Hoorn informed him she had sustained what appeared to be a brain injury and had been admitted to Groote Schuur Hospital.
Pasqualle-Hoorn remained in a coma for a month before dying from her injuries on July 28, 2024.
The trial continues.
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Weekend Argus
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