‘DEATH IS NOT JUSTICE’ - After the murder of ex-suspect, slain Clare Swartz’ dad says justice is when her killers are found guilty

THE father of Clare Swartz, Francois 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 Tuesday.

Clare, mother of one, was found stabbed, half naked and dumped at the Wolfgat Nature Reserve on 21 August 2025. She was stabbed multiple times in the neck while her boyfriend, who was also knifed, managed to get away and flee for his life.

Diego Blaauw, 22, was arrested and charged in August 2025 with the murder of Clare, but was freed a month later due to a lack of evidence and was no longer part of the case. 

Blaauw was one of six suspects who were arrested with four being released. He was gunned down in Freedom Park, Tafelsig on Monday afternoon in a drive-by shooting amid a gang fight.

A grieving Francois Swartz told the Daily Voice while fighting back his tears that he sympathises with 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.”

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

Swartz added: “If I am not working then I want to be at court because I do casual jobs and depend on that and pension om die pot aan die kook te hou.

“The case is always postponed but we will see because I want justice to be served. They should be locked up for many years.

“My daughter did not deserve what they did to her, she did not deserve any of that.”