CCTV, Google searches unveil chilling murder evidence

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - Disturbing new evidence has emerged in the murder case of Mervyn Bock (40), accused of killing his former partner, Velia Angelique Strydom (39).

During proceedings in the Knysna Magistrate's Court over the past month, the investigating officer, Sergeant Diyani, revealed a series of internet searches allegedly conducted by Bock around the time of Strydom's disappearance, alongside CCTV footage that appeared to trace his movements and evidence suggesting she may have been strangled.

Bock faces one count of murder and two counts of defeating the ends of justice. He was arrested on 1 January after Strydom's decomposed body was discovered near the Red Bridge outside Knysna on 12 December 2025.

He remains in custody pending the outcome of his bail hearing, expected to conclude on 12 March, following cross-examination by Diyani, which was finalised on 19 February.

Background to the case

During Bock's first appearance on 5 January, the State indicated that the incidents which allegedly resulted in Strydom's death occurred between 6 and 8 December 2025.

The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charges and the risk of witness interference.

A family spokesperson, Warrick Langisa, who is Strydom's uncle, pre-viously told the Knysna-Plett Herald that the family remained deeply affected by her death. He described Strydom as "a devoted mother of four" who had been "regaining her confidence and independence" in the months before her passing.

Langisa said the family believed she had ended what he described as a toxic relationship, noting that Strydom's mother had collected her belongings from Bock's flat about a month before the incident.

CCTV footage presented in court

Diyani presented CCTV footage showing Bock's movements at his Trotter Street flat during the period leading up to and following Strydom's disappearance and disposing of her body.

6 December 2025

23:41 - Bock arrives at his Trotter Street flat after visiting a nightclub.
23:59 - He enters flat no. 16 with Strydom. Both are visible on the footage.

7 December 2025

10:00 - Bock exits the flat and knocks on a neighbour's door. No answer.
10:02 - Returns to his flat.
17:35 - Seen walking toward the washing line area.
17:37 - Removes two white linen items.
17:41 - Returns to the flat carrying the linen.

According to Diyani, Strydom was not seen again on CCTV after entering the flat that night.

8 December 2025

07:23 - Bock exits the flat.
07:50 - Returns driving a silver hatchback.
07:53 - Enters the flat again.
07:54 - Bock carries what appears to be a body wrapped in white linen. Diyani testified that a hand, hair, and bare feet are visible as he drags the object down the stairs.
07:59 - Leaves the complex in the vehicle.
08:01 - Vehicle seen leaving Knysna in the direction of George.
08:20 - Vehicle returns in the direction of Knysna.

Witness statement read in court

During testimony, Diyani read into the record the statement of the woman who owns the silver hatchback allegedly used by Bock on 8 December.

According to her written statement, Bock contacted her around 07:41 that morning, asking whether she was at work and if he could visit. Shortly thereafter, he arrived and requested to borrow her vehicle, saying he needed to see a client in Simola.

After initially declining, the woman agreed. When the vehicle was returned roughly 30 minutes later, the fuel level was significantly lower, and Bock was wearing a vest with a towel around his neck - different clothing from earlier that morning.

The statement further noted that later that afternoon, around 15:00, the woman detected a strong odour inside the vehicle, which persisted for nearly two weeks despite cleaning.

Shocking Google searches presented as evidence

In addition to the footage and witness statements, the court heard that police retrieved internet search history allegedly linked to Bock's cellphone.

According to Diyani, these searches were conducted around the time or morning after her alleged murder and included:

"How long before body gets cold after strangulation?"
"Why does nose bleed after strangulation?"
"Successful murder cases"
"How to get away with murder?"
"How long do fingerprints stay on clothes after strangulation?"
"What happens when drowning after strangulation?"

The prosecution argued that the searches may point to premeditation and intent.

Ongoing proceedings and community reaction

Bock remains in custody as the bail hearing is set to conclude on 12 March, after which the court will deliver a ruling on whether he should remain detained pending trial.

The case continues to draw significant public attention in Knysna, where residents have expressed shock and outrage over the evidence presented to date.

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