Illegal arms rap: man flees

A 47-year-old Mpumalanga man accused of contravening the ammunition and explosives Acts is believed to be on the run.

Okert de Meillon hit the headlines this year when he was arrested while police were executing a search warrant at his home following the death of his fiancee’s 55-year-old mother.

Rehane Potgieter, from Piet Retief, was killed at De Meillon’s house in Bethal, Mpumalanga, in June.

At the time, a shot rang out while Potgieter was apparently walking in the garden of De Meillon’s house.

Potgieter died shortly afterwards in the Bethal Hospital due to a gunshot wound in the back.

De Meillon and Potgieter’s husband, Hendry, rushed her to hospital after she was shot.

De Meillon is engaged to Potgieter’s daughter, 32-year-old Rehanie.

During the murder investigation, police raided the Bethal house hoping to find the murder weapon or any other leads.

They discovered explosive detonators, a homemade rifle and a large amount of different calibre ammunition.

De Meillon was arrested on charges under the arms and explosives Acts. He was, however, not arrested in connection with Potgieter’s murder.

After spending three nights in jail, De Meillon was granted bail of R10 000 after his lawyer convinced the court he was not a flight risk.

He was among others ordered to report to the police every Wednesday.

Last Wednesday he arrived at the police station early in the morning and after recording his visit, he apparently disappeared.

His fiancee, Rehanie, reported him missing last Friday.

De Meillon was due to appear in court on Thursday, but did not arrive. A warrant of arrest was issued.

According to the police, De Meillon might be armed and dangerous and he was possibly riding a blue Yamaha motorcycle with registration number HJS184MP. – News24 Wire