KNYSNA NEWS - The case of the murder accused Mervyn Bock (40) has once again been postponed for a formal bail hearing.
Bock, who stands accused of murdering his girlfriend, Velia Angelique Strydom (39), was remanded in custody in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Monday 26 January.
Strydom's decomposed body was found near the Red Bridge just outside Knysna on 12 December.
During Bock's first court appearance on 5 January, it was heard that the incidents which led to Strydom's death may have occurred between 6 and 8 December.
On Monday, the courtroom was once again packed, and a sombre atmosphere filled the room. There were numerous delays, and the gallery patiently waited for the bail application to be heard. Initially, no public prosecutor was present, and a prosecutor who was on leave stepped in to assist while the court waited for a colleague from Plettenberg Bay.
It was noted in court that there is a dispute relating to the schedule of the case, with the defence indicating that they felt ambushed by the State.
The State indicated that the case should proceed as a Schedule 6 matter and not Schedule 5, pending a certificate from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). However, Bock's defence attorney, Daan Dercksen of Dercksen Inc Attorneys, strongly disagreed and stated that the charge sheet before the court does not indicate Schedule 6 (premeditated murder), but rather Schedule 5 (serious crimes such as murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, rape and corruption, where the accused must prove that their release is in the interest of justice).
Bock is scheduled to appear in the Knysna Magistrate's Court on Wednesday 4 Feb-ruary for a formal bail hearing.
Family reflects on Strydom's final months
Speaking to the Knysna-Plett Herald, Warrick Langisa, Strydom's uncle, described her as a devoted mother of four children who had aspirations of re-establishing a daycare and continuing community-based work.
Langisa said the family had been proud of Strydom in recent months, noting that she appeared to have regained confidence and independence since mid-2025.
He said the family had believed that she had decided to leave what he described as a toxic relationship, and that her mother had collected all of her belongings from Bock's flat about a month before her death.
A bond unbreakable. Velia Strydom lived for her children. From left: Zeec Strydom, Velia Strydom, Zeeclin Strydom, Zarah Strydom and Zephy Strydom. Photo:Supplied
According to Langisa, Bock allegedly travelled to Hornlee on the weekend in question and invited Strydom and a friend to his flat for a braai. He said the circumstances that allegedly followed were deeply distressing for the family. Strydom's body was later found covered with a sheet and clothed only in a skirt.
Investigation continues
Since the discovery of Strydom's body and Bock's subsequent arrest, speculation regarding the circumstances of her death has circulated within the community. Allegations relating to Bock's past conduct have emer-ged; however, these allegations have not been tested in court.
This publication is refraining from publishing certain information in connection with the case so as not to compromise the ongoing investigation or any future trial.
Read previous articles:
Body of woman found in bushes near Red Bridge
Man arrested following discovery of woman’s body in Knysna
Drive-by memorial held for Velia Strydom following death near Red Bridge
Strydom murder: accused remains in custody, charges added
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