Warrant Officer Robin Basson was challenged in the Western Cape High Court, sitting in the Wynberg Regional Court, on 25 August 2026 over his handling of a domestic violence call at the home of Duncan Hoorn, who is standing trial for the murder of his wife, Chantel Pasqualle-Hoorn. As first reported by the Daily Voice and the Cape Argus, Basson faced aggressive questioning from State prosecutor Advocate Renée Uys about whether he followed proper procedure when he and Sergeant Bongolethu Gwada responded to Surdown Walk on 27 June 2024.
Hoorn has pleaded not guilty to charges of kidnapping, murder, and defeating the administration of justice. The State alleges that he assaulted Pasqualle-Hoorn, who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury and was taken to Groote Schuur Hospital before dying on 28 July 2024 after spending roughly a month in a coma.
Basson, a police officer since 2002 and a detective since 2012, told the court he was concerned about Pasqualle-Hoorn when he arrived at the property. However, Uys sharply challenged his account of what happened at the house, telling him:
“Let’s go forward with your nonsensical version of events.”
The State’s questioning centred on whether Basson took adequate steps after Pasqualle-Hoorn’s sister had approached police for help earlier that day.
Sergeant Gwada, who accompanied Basson, previously testified that he did not see Pasqualle-Hoorn at all during the visit. Earlier reporting by the Cape Argus said Pasqualle-Hoorn’s sister told the court she saw Chantel on the balcony calling for help while police were present at the property.
Basson’s appearance in the witness box followed days of procedural difficulty. Acting Judge Amanda van Leeve issued a warrant for Basson on 19 August 2026 after repeated attempts to secure his attendance, according to the Weekend Argus. Defence advocate Gilbert Jose had argued that Basson’s medical certificate indicated he would only be fit to return to normal duties on 24 August 2026.
The case has drawn attention to how police respond to domestic violence complaints on the Cape Flats, where activists have long argued that under-resourced stations and inadequate training leave vulnerable women at risk. The Domestic Violence Act places a legal obligation on officers to assist complainants and document their actions, regardless of whether a victim appears to decline help.
It remains unclear what additional evidence the State or defence intends to lead before closing arguments. Cape Flats will monitor proceedings when the trial resumes and report on any further testimony or rulings from Acting Judge van Leeve.