Convicted murderer Duncan Hoorn is set to appear in the Western Cape High Court, sitting at the Wynberg Regional Court, on Wednesday for his sentencing. His sentencing was postponed on September 30, 2026, to allow for additional psychiatric evidence to be presented. The defence advocate, Gilbert Jose, indicated that Hoorn had been treating with a psychiatrist since 2024, around the time he was incarcerated.
Hoorn was found guilty last month of murdering his wife, Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn, but was acquitted on charges of kidnapping and defeating the ends of justice. The court found that the medical evidence could not be reconciled with Hoorn’s version of what happened to his wife. Chantel suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and died in hospital on July 28, 2024, about a month after she was admitted.
The court recently heard emotional victim impact statements from Chantel’s son, Xavier Pasqualle, and her sisters. Xavier expressed guilt over not speaking out sooner about the violence he witnessed against his mother. Chantel’s sister, Ramona Hendricks, told Hoorn that the family had lost a mother, daughter, sister, and friend. These statements highlighted the devastating impact of Chantel's death on her family.
The postponement of Hoorn's sentencing was due to the defence's intention to present psychiatric evidence. Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve questioned why this information was only being raised at that stage. Jose told the court that Hoorn had informed him about the psychiatrist that morning. The court will now determine whether the defence will proceed with this evidence before sentencing continues.
Chantel's family has been significantly affected by her death. Her son, Xavier, and sisters provided insight into the emotional toll of her passing. The family is still coming to terms with the loss of their loved one. The sentencing is expected to bring some closure to this tragic case.
The case has drawn attention due to its tragic nature and the complexities surrounding Hoorn's guilt. The medical evidence played a crucial role in establishing Hoorn's culpability. The court will now consider the psychiatric evidence and its implications for Hoorn's sentencing.
The sentencing of Duncan Hoorn will continue on Wednesday. The court will hear the psychiatric evidence and then proceed with the sentencing. The case has had a profound impact on Chantel's family, and they are awaiting justice.
Key points
- Duncan Hoorn is due in court for sentencing after being convicted of murdering his wife, Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn.
- The sentencing was postponed to allow for additional psychiatric evidence to be presented.
- The court heard emotional victim impact statements from Chantel's family, highlighting the devastating impact of her death.
