SUSPECTS IN WOLFGAT MURDER REMAIN UNIDENTIFIED

Three young men charged with the murder of a mother who was stabbed and her body dumped at the Wolfgat Nature Reserve in Mitchells Plain, may not be identified until they complete an identity parade.

The trio made their first appearance at the Mitchells Plain Magistrate’s Court yesterday where they are facing charges of murder and attempted murder.

The State is set to prove that the group stabbed 29-year-old Clare Swartz in the neck and also attacked her boyfriend with a knife in the early hour of last Thursday.

Swartz' father, Francois Swartz, told the Daily Voice that the mother of one was walking with her boyfriend at night to purchase drugs when they were attacked by five men.

Swartz was stabbed multiple times in the neck while her boyfriend who was also knifed, managed to get away and flee for his life.

He later sought medical treatment at a nearby facility.

Inside court, angry community members and gender-based activists gathered to show support for Swartz and her boyfriend and also rallied outside of the courthouse holding placards, calling for justice.

The court heard that the men are scheduled for an identity parade and will make their next appearance on 1 September 2025.

Lynn Philipps, of the Cape Flats Safety Forum (CFSF) said another young child has been left without a mother following a brutal murder and that the suspects showed no remorse.

“As CFSF we firstly want to extend our condolences to the bereaved family of the young mother Clare who lost her life brutally.” she said.

“We condemn all acts of brutality  and violence in the strongest way  against Women and Children ,this is now a baby without the care of a mother which needs the care and love of a mother, This type of behaviour is unacceptable, it doesn't give anyone the right to violate a women's right like this.

“We are expecting that the judiciary will take into account its women's month and also look at the child who is now an orphan and the child rights should also be looked at as the child will grow up without a mother and so much trauma and anger when they get older.

"We trust that the authorities and SAPS detectives will make sure the statements are of high quality so we can't have another case thrown due to no evidence

“It's sad to also note that the alleged suspects showed no remorse whilst in the District Court,  we strongly feel that the judiciary and National Prosecuting Authority should also look at their behaviour whilst they are in custody.”