Murder accused Mervyn Bock to appear in circuit high court

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - The pre-trial conference of murder-accused Mervyn Bock is expected to take place in the Circuit High Court at the Knysna Magistrate’s Court today, Friday 23 October, where a trial date is expected to be set.

The presiding judge is reportedly travelling from Cape Town for the proceedings.

Bock stands accused of the murder of Velia Strydom, whose badly decomposed body was found near the Red Bridge, just outside Knysna, on 12 December 2025.

What we know to date

During Bock’s formal bail application, the court heard extensive evidence, including details of his alleged Google search history, movements and actions on the night Strydom is believed to have died, as well as during the preceding weekend.

Evidence presented included CCTV footage tracing Bock’s movements and allegations that an object, believed to be a body wrapped in a white sheet, was carried from the apartment to a vehicle belonging to a friend of Bock’s that he had allegedly borrowed.

Communications between Bock, close friends and family members who enquired about Strydom’s whereabouts after her disappearance also formed part of the evidence presented during the bail hearing.

Bock’s bail application was denied, and he remains in custody. The case was heard as a Schedule 6 matter. As previously reported, the matter was transferred to the Circuit High Court during Bock’s last appearance on 5 August.

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