BETHAL – The police sent out a nationwide alert last week for Mr Okkert Anthonie De Meillon who is on the run since he was released on bail on 24 July.
Mr De Meillon (47) was arrested in Bethal on Tuesday, 21 July in connection with the possession of explosive components, illegal firearms and ammunition.
Among the load of things the police confiscated at Mr De Meillon’s rental home in Louis Trichardt Street, were more than 300 bullets of various calibres, 76 detonators, copper and silver pipes of different sizes, nail gun blanks and a variety of chemicals which are typically used in manufacturing explosives.
The confiscated chemicals included mercury, hydrochloric acid, hydrogen peroxide and aluminium powder.
The mysterious circumstances around the death of Ms Rehane Potgieter (55) from Piet Retief prompted the police to obtain a warrant to search Mr De Meillon’s premises.
Ms Potgieter and her husband, Hendry, were visiting their daughter, Ms Rehanie Nienaber, when she died on 27 June. Ms Nienaber is engaged to Mr De Meillon.
Mr De Meillon was granted bail of R10 000 on condition that he handed in his passport and reported to the nearest police station once a week.
The case was postponed to 3 September, but Mr De Meillon never showed up for court.
A warrant was issued for his arrest.
The police believe that Mr De Meillon has shaved his head.
At first, he made use of a Yamaha motorcycle which he painted black.
New information has come to light that he is driving a White Nissan NP200 with a possible fake registration number.
He was recently seen in the Richards’ Bay area and is possibly heading towards Kosi Bay or Knysna.
According to information, he is armed with three handguns.
The police consider Mr De Meillon armed and dangerous.
Anyone with information must contact W/O Nico Veldman at 079 396 3652 or detective Sgt Andreas Strydom at 082 937 5111.
