Death is not justice: Clare Swartz's father demands accountability for her murder

Francois Swartz, the father of slain Clare Swartz, claims that justice has not yet been served after a man previously charged with the murder of his daughter was gunned down in a gang fight in Tafelsig on Monday, January 6.

Clare, a mother of one, was found stabbed, half-naked, and dumped at the Wolfgat Nature Reserve on Thursday, August 21, last year. She was stabbed multiple times in the neck while her boyfriend, who was also knifed, managed to get away.

Diego Blaauw, 22, was arrested and charged with the murder, but was freed a month later due to a lack of evidence, and was no longer part of the case.

Mr Blaauw was one of six suspects arrested, with four subsequently released.

He was gunned down in Freedom Park, Tafelsig, on Monday afternoon in a drive-by shooting amid a gang fight. The fight started with stone-throwing and later escalated into shooting.

Police spokesperson Constable Ndakhe Gwala confirmed that the motive for the shooting is unclear; however, a case of murder is under investigation.

"According to reports, a motor vehicle drove by and shot in the direction of the deceased. He ran and collapsed in Westham Street, Tafelsig. 

“The deceased sustained gunshot wounds to his chest. He was declared dead by medical personnel on the scene. The motive for the shooting is unclear at this point, and no suspect has been arrested yet.”

A grieving Mr Swartz told the Daily Voice that he sympathises with Mr Blaauw’s family, but still wants justice for his daughter.

The father explained: “It is always heartbreaking for a parent to lose a child. Diego’s family and I had nothing against each other. We still spoke, even on Monday, because I know his grandfather and mother.

“I did not expect something like this to happen. We do not know what happened or what it’s about, but it is still not justice; justice is when they are found guilty. I knew Diego, but we did not have any communication; he just used to walk past me.

“The pain of losing my daughter is still there; it will never go away. I am still grieving my daughter.

“I have a photo of her in my room, but God’s grace is what is carrying me through because I am still heartbroken. 

“Everyone grieves differently. Clare’s son is 17 years old now. He is not one to talk much; he is very quiet and on his own buzz.”

On September 18 last year, Mr Swartz spoke at an interfaith meeting convened to address the ongoing crime and violence on the Cape Flats.

Following Claire's murder, he called for justice, urged that the alleged perpetrators not be granted bail, and thanked the neighbourhood watch for their support ("Interfaith leaders unite against Cape Flats violence" Plainsman September 19).

After the release of four suspects in the murder case, the remaining two are set to appear in court on Thursday, January 15. 

Additional reporting by Marsha Bothma