Peet Viljoen remanded as he faces more than 400 charges in alleged municipal property fraud

Disbarred lawyer Peet Viljoen will remain in custody after his bail application was postponed until 23 July, as he faces more than 400 charges linked to an alleged multimillion‑rand municipal property fraud scheme.

Arrest and court appearance

Viljoen was arrested on 16 June at OR Tambo International Airport after being deported from the United States. He appeared in the Specialised Commercial Crime Court in Pretoria, where his affidavit and the state’s opposing affidavit were read.

Allegations against him

The state alleges Viljoen played a central role in the fraudulent sale of at least 46 properties owned by the Johannesburg Property Company (JPC) in 2010. The alleged scheme is said to have produced losses exceeding R27.6 million, with the JPC receiving no payment and Viljoen personally benefiting.

Related investigations and claims

The court heard references to the Tammy Taylor trademark matter and that Viljoen had been the subject of investigation by the Hawks. The state also told the court of additional dockets linked to Viljoen and his wife.

State’s concerns and reported conduct

The state argued Viljoen was a flight risk, saying he sold all his assets before relocating to the United States in May 2025. The court also heard he is not allowed to return to the US for 10 years following his deportation.

During the state’s opposition to bail, the court was told Viljoen made remarks to police during his arrest. He reportedly told one officer that

“the devil would look after him and he was ‘going to hell for this'”

and that he had made several public comments over the past year, including calling South African judges “clowns”, saying he “didn’t speak baboon” and that he “wasn’t planning on coming back to the country.”

Viljoen’s response

In his affidavit, Viljoen described the state’s case as weak and flawed. He said he was in the process of suing the National Prosecuting Authority for R500 million over alleged contraventions of his constitutional rights and that a summons had been issued.

Legal costs and public reaction

A BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign intended to cover R400,000 in legal fees for Viljoen was removed after raising R3,500. Outside the court, a small group of supporters wearing T‑shirts, caps and holding placards stood in support of Viljoen but declined to speak to reporters.

The bail hearing was postponed and Viljoen will remain in custody until the next appearance on 23 July.