Tragic Shooting Claims Life of Young Mother Outside Her Home

Belhar Family Mourns the Loss of 26-Year-Old Thamlyn Clarke
A family in Belhar has been devastated by a double tragedy after 26-year-old Thamlyn Clarke was shot and killed outside her home on Tuesday night, March 25, 2025. The incident occurred on De Waal Drive while she was sitting inside a car with friends, listening to music.

A Targeted Attack?
According to eyewitnesses, an unknown man approached the vehicle claiming he was lost. When Clarke rolled down her window to assist, the suspect opened fire, shooting her multiple times before fleeing in a getaway car. The gunman also took a cellphone before escaping.

Her grieving mother, Evelyn Clarke, revealed that this tragic loss comes just four months after Thamlyn’s father died by suicide. The devastated mother believes the shooting was a planned attack, possibly linked to a rape case her daughter had been pursuing in court for the past three years.

A Mother’s Pain and a Justice Delayed
Evelyn Clarke expressed her anguish, stating that her daughter was due to appear in court for the final hearing of her rape case on the day after her murder.

“This was a hit on my daughter because she was shot in the neck. I don’t know where else she was shot, but I saw the wound on her neck,” she said. “I was in bed when I heard gunshots. It felt like they were inside my house. When I ran outside, my son ran in, and by the time I reached the street, the car was gone.”

Evelyn described Thamlyn as a friendly, well-loved person who did not involve herself in dangerous activities. “She wasn’t someone who walked around aimlessly. She was a people’s person. Why would they want to kill her? I strongly believe it has to do with the rape case,” she added.

Thamlyn leaves behind a nine-year-old daughter who is now left without a mother.

Police Investigation Underway
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Joseph Swartbooi confirmed that Belhar police are actively investigating the murder.

“Detectives combed the crime scene on De Waal Drive where a woman was shot and killed at approximately 8:50 PM on Tuesday, March 25, 2025,” Swartbooi reported. “Preliminary investigations suggest that unknown gunmen fired multiple shots at a female seated inside a vehicle. The victim was declared deceased at the scene by medical personnel.”

The suspects fled in a white Toyota Etios and have not yet been apprehended. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward by contacting Crime Stop at 08600 10111 or using the MySAPS mobile application to provide anonymous tips.

A Community in Shock
Thamlyn Clarke’s murder has left the community in shock and mourning, with many questioning the motive behind such a brutal attack. As the investigation unfolds, her family and loved ones continue to seek justice and answers in the wake of this senseless crime.