Modern-day witch hunt? Rocco Viljoen speaks out

REGIONAL NEWS - In a follow-up interview, Rocco Viljoen (58), a friend of Nicky van Heerden (54), has spoken out against social media claims accusing him of being a cult leader and insinuating his involvement in Van Heerden’s murder.

Viljoen said these false accusations, made by anti-crime activist Morné Swart, have upended his life.

George Herald first spoke to Viljoen on 25 January, shortly after his name had surfaced online following the discovery of Van Heerden’s body near the Keurbooms River just past midnight on Monday 19 January.

Swart, who has about 48 000 Facebook followers, posted (translated from Afrikaans): “This man’s name is Rocco Viljoen, a cult leader in the Knysna area, and there is a direct connection between him and the murdered detective from Knysna. Before I send all my information to the authorities, I am asking for more details about this man. I am also in possession of a voice note that the murdered woman posted on a WhatsApp group the night before her murder. This tragedy is going to shock the country.”

This post has since been deleted.

Read more in the George Herald

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