Bock bail hearing update

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The bail application of murder accused Mervyn Bock (40) has been postponed in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court after his defence submitted a replying affidavit addressing evidence led by the State over the past month.

The affidavit was presented on Monday 16 March by Bock’s defence attorney, Daan Dercksen, in response to testimony given by the investigating officer, Sergeant Diyani, during the ongoing bail proceedings.

Bock stands accused of murdering his former girlfriend, Velia Strydom (39). Her decomposed body was discovered near the Red Bridge just outside Knysna on 12 December. Bock was arrested on 1 January.

During court proceedings, Diyani outlined aspects of the police investigation that the State alleges link Bock to the crime.

This included testimony regarding a series of internet searches allegedly conducted by Bock around the time of Strydom’s disappearance. The court also heard about CCTV footage that reportedly traces his movements during the relevant period.

In addition, evidence presented suggested that Strydom may have been strangled. Bock faces one count of murder and two counts of defeating the ends of justice.

Bock’s affidavit

In his replying affidavit, Bock raised concerns about the conduct of the bail proceedings, stating that they have, in his view, “effectively (turned) bail hearing into a mini-trial or dress rehearsal of the trial yet to come.”

He further states that the allegations against him have not yet been proven and that Dercksen has not received a copy of the police docket or supporting evidence.

The affidavit also takes issue with the level of detail presented by the State regarding the alleged merits of the case, including references to an alleged modus operandi. According to the affidavit, such detailed engagement at the bail stage has been “repeatedly discouraged” by higher courts, including the High Court and the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Bock maintains that the presumption of innocence applies fully in the current proceedings.

“I am therefore advised that apart from recording my emphatic denial of the charges, and asserting my intention to plead not guilty should a trial ensue, I should keep my powder dry until the docket has been studied and the battlefield is levelled, and of necessity decline to engage in a battle on the merits of the instant charges at this stage,” the affidavit reads.