Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen is scheduled to appear in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court in Pretoria this Wednesday to apply for bail. Viljoen faces 400 charges, including fraud, theft, corruption, forgery, and uttering, related to an alleged R27.6 million property fraud scheme involving the Johannesburg Property Company. His legal team has appointed a new senior advocate to lead the proceedings, while the State, represented by prosecutor Willem van Zyl, has indicated it will vigorously oppose his release.
The bail application follows the closure of a crowdfunding campaign on the platform BackaBuddy, which had aimed to raise R400,000 for Viljoen’s legal fees. The fundraiser, launched by family friend Tammy van der Merwe and Viljoen’s wife, Mel Viljoen, failed to gain significant public traction, collecting only R3,500 before the platform intervened.
Why was the fundraiser removed?
BackaBuddy removed the campaign, stating the decision was made to ensure consistency with its platform standards and terms and conditions. The platform noted that such actions are “never taken lightly” and are intended to protect the integrity of the community, donors, and campaign creators. Visitors to the site are now informed that the campaign is closed, and the platform has confirmed that all eligible donations will be refunded to contributors.
Peet Viljoen was arrested on June 16 at OR Tambo International Airport immediately following his deportation from the United States, where he had been held in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility.
What are the allegations against the couple?
The criminal charges against Peet Viljoen stem from an alleged 2010 scheme where properties owned by the Johannesburg Property Company were reportedly sold to unsuspecting buyers without the company receiving payment. Beyond these criminal proceedings, the Viljoens are involved in a separate civil dispute concerning the Tammy Taylor franchise. A United States court previously ordered the pair to pay approximately R71 million in damages for trademark infringement. Furthermore, the couple faces additional allegations from South African franchisees who claim to have lost millions after purchasing franchises from a company the couple reportedly did not own.
The prosecution’s plan to utilize the couple’s social media activity as evidence during the bail hearing highlights a growing trend in legal proceedings where public digital footprints are scrutinized. While the specific posts remain undisclosed, the State’s intent to rely on this content suggests that the court will be asked to weigh the couple’s recent public statements—including a recent apology—against the gravity of the 400 charges and the risk of flight or recidivism.
What happens next in the legal process?
The upcoming hearing will determine whether Viljoen remains in custody at the Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre or is granted bail. Recently, Mel Viljoen posted a public apology on social media, expressing a desire to take responsibility for past conduct and stating that the Lord has done “profound work” in their hearts. Whether this shift in public stance impacts the court's view on the bail application remains to be seen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the R400,000 crowdfunding campaign?
The campaign was shut down by BackaBuddy for failing to meet the platform’s terms and conditions. It raised R3,500, which is being refunded to donors.
Why is Peet Viljoen in custody?
He was arrested on June 16 upon his return to South Africa from the United States and is currently facing 400 criminal charges, including fraud and theft.
What is the connection to the Tammy Taylor franchise?
The couple was ordered by a U.S. court to pay R71 million for trademark infringement and faces separate claims from South African franchisees who allege they were misled into buying franchises from a company the couple did not own.
How might the prosecution’s focus on the couple’s social media posts influence the court’s decision regarding bail?