Mel Viljoen weeps in court as Peet is DENIED bail [video]

Mel Viljoen could not hold back the tears in court as her husband, Peet Viljoen, was denied bail on 400 charges relating to a R27,6 million Johannesburg municipal property fraud scheme.

The disbarred attorney appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court, where he heard his fate.

Over the past few weeks, Mel has claimed that Peet has been victimised for being a whistleblower in the case that dates back more than a decade.

MEL VILJOEN WEEPS AS PEET IS DENIED BAIL

On Monday morning, Peet Viljoen was denied bail by Magistrate Nicca Setshogoe in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The 57-year-old was labelled a flight risk with Sethsogoe stating that his release would not be in the interest of justice. 

Peet has been ordered to remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Correctional Centre while the criminal case against him proceeds.

In the court gallery, Peet’s wife, Mel Viljoen, was seen bursting into tears after bail was denied.

The blonde businesswoman – whose dealings in the Tammy Taylor franchise has also made headlines – wore a black suit with a white shirt. Peet wore a grey suit with his favourite black Hugo Boss T-shirt underneath.

The disbarred lawyer was arrested in June at OR Tambo after returning from the US, where he was detained, alongside Mel, over their illegal immigration status. 

Peet now faces about 400 charges, including fraud, theft, corruption, forgery and uttering, linked to an alleged 2010 Johannesburg Property Company property fraud scheme estimated at R27 million.

Along with five others, the NPA has alleged that Peet forged sale agreements, municipal resolutions, and affidavits, and unlawfully used his powers of attorney to transfer municipal properties.

They also allege that he bribed a deputy registrar to facilitate the transactions.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Peet Viljoen’s case has been postponed to 4 September 2026. Peet will remain in custody until his next appearance.

His legal team have indicated they intend to appeal the bail decision.

His representatives have also maintained that the state’s case against Peet is weak. Peet has also indicated an intention to pursue a R500 million claim against the NPA, alleging unlawful prosecution.

However, some of Peet’s co-accused have already pleaded guilty to the charges and have implicated him in their submitted affidavits. 

The State will ultimately have to prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt should the case proceed to trial.