Duncan Hoorn consulting with his legal team, Advocate Labiek Samuels
The murder trial of Duncan Hoorn ground to an unexpected halt on Wednesday after his legal representative, Advocate Gilbert Jose, failed to appear in the Western Cape High Court, leaving the acting judge, the State and even his own colleague searching for answers.
Hoorn is on trial for kidnapping, murder and defeating the administration of justice following the death of his wife, Chantal Pasqualle-Hoorn.
The State alleges that Hoorn unlawfully deprived Pasqualle-Hoorn of her freedom by locking her inside their home before assaulting her on June 27, 2024, after discovering she was having an affair. Prosecutors further allege that he repeatedly assaulted her, causing multiple injuries including a fractured arm and traumatic brain injuries whichultimately led to her death a month later.
Chantal Pasqualle
