Explainer: Peet Viljoen faces 400 charges and a R27m property fraud allegation

Petrus Jacobus “Peet” Viljoen is facing 400 charges including fraud, corruption, theft, forgery and uttering linked to an alleged R27 million property fraud scheme, authorities said after his latest court appearance.

What prosecutors allege

The charges relate to alleged activity between January and March 2010, when Viljoen and five other suspects are accused of fraudulently selling 46 properties that belonged to the City of Johannesburg to individuals and companies without the municipalitys knowledge.

The allegations say a range of forged documents were used to process the transfers. Those documents are listed by the State as sale agreements, City of Johannesburg and Joburg Property Company resolutions, powers of attorney, affidavits and Section 68(1) applications under the regulations to the Deeds Act.

Prosecutors further allege that Viljoen paid gratification to a deputy registrar employed by the Department of Land Affairs to secure registration of the transfer deeds.

How the scheme was uncovered

The alleged fraud came to light during a City of Johannesburg audit of its immovable assets. The municipality then approached the Johannesburg High Court to have the properties restored to its ownership. The court granted the application and the properties were returned to the city.

Arrest and court process

Viljoen was first arrested in 2010 and appeared before the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court. The matter was later set to begin afresh before a different magistrate.

Authorities say Viljoen left South Africa in May 2025 shortly before the matter was re-enrolled. He was re-arrested on 16 June at OR Tambo International Airport after being deported from the United States and appeared in the Pretoria Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on Thursday.

The case has been postponed to 26 June for bail investigations and a formal bail application. The State has indicated it will oppose bail. Until his next appearance, Viljoen will remain in custody at Kgosi Mampuru Prison.

What remains unclear from court papers

• The source material does not give the names of the five other suspects charged alongside Viljoen.
• The details of any proceeds, buyers or companies involved beyond the allegation about 46 properties are not specified in the material provided.

Readers should note this is an explanation of the charges as presented in court and by the State; the allegations have not been tested on their merits in a final contested trial reported in the source material.