Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The formal bail application of murder accused Mervyn Bock (40) was postponed to 16 February for further proceedings when the matter returned to court this week. Bock remains in custody pending the continuation of the application. 

At the start of proceedings, Bock’s attorney, Daan Dircksen of Dircksen Inc, read the accused’s bail affidavit into the record.

In the sworn document, Bock confirmed his intention to plead not guilty to all three charges against him – one count of murder and two counts of defeating the ends of justice. 

The court also confirmed that the dispute regarding the scheduling of the case has been resolved.

Following the submission of a certificate from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), which was placed on record, the matter will proceed as a Schedule 6 offence on the basis of alleged premeditation, and not under Schedule 5 as previously debated. 

Tensions rose when investigating officer Sergeant Diyani took the stand and presented CCTV footage which, according to the State, depicts events leading up to Strydom’s death and the subsequent disposal of her body. 

The remains were discovered at the Red Bridge on 12 December 2025.

The court heard that the deceased had moved out of Bock’s flat in November but had remained in contact with him and continued to visit his residence in Trotter Street.

Sgt Diyani read several witness statements into the record, including that of a close friend of Velia Strydom, who was reportedly the last person to see her alive and in the company of the accused. 

Observers in the gallery reacted with visible shock when details of internet searches allegedly conducted by Bock were disclosed.

The accused and members of his family, all dressed in army green, sat silently throughout the proceedings.

The court is expected to continue examining the video evidence and the State’s version of events when the bail application resumes later this month. 

This publication will, in its next edition, provide a detailed timeline based on the CCTV footage and testimony outlining the movements leading to the discovery of Velia Strydom’s body and the subsequent arrest of Bock.

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