Bock to remain behind bars

KNYSNA NEWS - The lengthy bail hearing of murder accused Mervyn Bock (40) came to a close in the Knysna Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday 31 March, with Magistrate Winston Jansen denying bail and remanding the accused in custody.

Tensions ran high in court as both the State and the defence presented their heads of argument, culminating in Jansen’s judgment.

Bock stands accused of the murder of his former girlfriend, Velia Strydom (39), whose decomposed body was discovered near the Red Bridge outside Knysna on 12 December. He was arrested on 1 January and now faces one count of murder and two counts of defeating the ends of justice.

Defence argues ‘exceptional circumstances’
Representing Bock, defence attorney Daan Dercksen argued that his client’s case qualified as one of exceptional circumstances, which could justify the granting of bail.

However, the State rejected this argument, maintaining that the matter was ordinary in nature.

Jansen agreed with the State’s position, finding that the defence had failed to provide sufficient or crucial evidence to support claims of exceptional circumstances.

Court raises concerns over allegations
Among the concerns raised during the hearing were allegations involving two women believed to be linked to the case. The women, reportedly foreign nationals, are still being sought by police.

It is alleged that the two women had been staying at the flat through an Airbnb arrangement. However, it remains unclear whether they were present during the weekend of Strydom’s alleged murder or at any point thereafter.

Jansen noted that while Bock was not considered a flight risk, other factors weighed heavily against granting bail. These included allegations that Bock had attempted to manipulate individuals regarding Strydom’s whereabouts at the time of her disappearance.

The court further noted that while Bock exercised his right to remain silent and denied the allegations, his failure to address key concerns could not be overlooked.

Missing phone raises further questions
It was also heard in court that Strydom’s cellphone, which may contain incriminating evidence, is still missing.

The State alleges that Bock disposed of the phone after using it during the time of Strydom’s disappearance.

It is further alleged that he used the device to respond to messages sent via WhatsApp from individuals enquiring about her whereabouts.

Evidence presented by the State
As previously reported in the Knysna-Plett Herald, investigating officer Diyani outlined aspects of the police investigation during earlier court proceedings that the State alleges link Bock to the crime.

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

In addition, evidence was presented suggesting that Strydom may have died as a result of strangulation.

Bail hearing dispute
In his replying affidavit, Bock criticised the nature of the bail proceedings, arguing that they had effectively turned into “a mini-trial or dress rehearsal of the trial yet to come”.

The State, however, defended its approach, arguing that the volume and nature of the evidence presented during the bail hearing were substantial and necessary to justify its opposition to bail.

Family speaks out
Speaking after the proceedings, Strydom’s mother, Baveline Petersen, said doubt and fear that Bock might be granted bail had crept in during the hearing, but that she remained hopeful.

“I am angry, and have been angry since the death of my daughter. He took her away from us. Living without her every day is hard. Not being able to hear her voice, the unexpected house visits and laughs, is hard,” she said.

“I can’t explain this feeling. All I know is that for one to truly understand it, one must experience it - to know what the loss of a beloved child means.”

Case continues

Bock will remain in custody until his next court appearance on 7 May, as the investigation into Strydom’s death continues.

According to available information, the women stayed overnight at a flat in Knysna’s central business district during December 2025 At the time, both were wearing black tops. A photograph of the pair has been made available.Anyone with information that may assist police in tracing the women is urged to contact Sergeant Jocelyn Williams on 044 302 6652 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111. All information will be treated as confidential. Photo: Supplied